VanLife Upgrades | New outdoor living space with the Slumberjack Roadhouse Tarp

[@jtwanderer6328]

Take heart.... even the RV-super-attached awnings have to be put away in winds like that. You really are a trooper! Love the sunsets and your desert peaceful vibe. Happy Wintering!

[@annnaegele1846]

I just love how you could laugh during the tarp failure! Your patience is inspiring. Just love ya girl!!!!💞

[@ErinLee]

THIS is why you're so well-loved. That thing is a zero out of ten. And here you are seeing only the positives, giving it the benefit of the doubt, and even blaming yourself. That positive spirit will make every dream you have possible. Your optimism is contagious. I would have snapped and burnt the thing. LOL!!!! Never change.

[@sandramiles8390]

Have you considered Shade Cloth? You can purchase whatever size/color you want and add grommets for easy install and takedown. The reason Shade Cloth is better for the desert is the wind factor. Shade Cloth is perforated so the wind passes through but still provides excellent shade and privacy. For rain protection, you can purchase a spray for water beading. But I wouldn't worry about that if you are using the Shade Cloth mostly for when you are in the desert. Just a suggestion. I first learned about the uses of Shade Cloth a couple of years ago on Bob Wells's channel.

[@ucdeestorm2850]

Yes I agree with the shade cloth - you can order them on Amazon or go to a harbor freight - love the video❣️

[@patgaff3886]

I never heard of shade cloth. Good to know. Through Chantel’s trials and errors and everyone’s tips I learn a lot.

[@patgaff3886]

Chantel, I admire your tenacity and ability to laugh at yourself. Laughing at ourselves is important. Peace and God bless

[@alvashoemaker8536]

Your upbeat attitude's AMAZING!! (I can see YOU traveling across this country during the 1700/1800's; YOU have such an "I'm GONNA DO THIS!" I hope I can learn from your vids...(you've got what it takes...! 👍👍😷👣

[@ruthferguson7175]

You are such a sweet , positive young lady. ❤️❤️to u. And Joey.

[@annekramer6740]

KZbinr coal cracker bushcraft has videos that teach tarp shelter skills. They are like solving puzzles for me. I’m totally absorbed in the task and feel great satisfaction when I’ve got a good setup. Kelty sells shorter poles. You’ve got a great attitude!

[@pennywawiorka6431]

Hi Chantelle, Minivan Lee used a hand drill to put holes in the ground for her tent stakes, worked great. Take care have fun. Like the stove.👍🤓

[@cinrsmoviereviews5109]

I think after a few attempts you’ll figure it out. Just be careful hooking it to your rear wiper. You don’t want that yanked off. I love your channel.

[@magicalmary2706]

I was thinking the same.

[@brendawolf7950]

Ditto here... Was also thinking about the side mirror. I just adore this young woman

[@micnitram2006]

I bought adjustable awning poles from Amazon for my tarp awning and they work GREAT! makes it super easy to change the angles to drain off any rain, also.

[@barbibutton9619]

A+ for being adventurous enuff to set that up on your own. I wouldn't have got half as far as you did before trying to shove it back in the box it would never go back into then bawled because it wouldn't go in the box lol

[@dsimplysparky57]

Giiiirl, you got it. I think what matters is the shade. And I'm sure what's on the van will shade inside also. And the videos always look easier. I bought a tent that u can just toss and it pops open. Closing it was a challenge. Joey always makes me want to geta dog. I have a clingy cat. 😆

[@dsimplysparky57]

And yea lived in AZ 8yrs love the sunsets.

[@ruthaspen2076]

I use a 10x12 shade cloth with grommets so the wind blows through it. It drapes over my windshield also. I’ll be interested to see how it holds up in those desert winds!

[@marilynnarnold811]

I'm sorry for crackin up laughing at the 15:16 point where that damn thing is just flopping against your car. I can't!!! :-))))

[@MyBasicJourney]

😂 same. Laughing was all I could do.

[@chucky6367]

It's a great idea for shade! If the winds are predominantly from one direction maybe park so the closed side of the car is facing that way and the wind will go over the top? Or park side on to the shrubs and use them as anchors to tie the rope to?

[@nancyashley4638]

I was going to suggest about the same thing. I was checking the dominant wind direction for that area and it seems N and NNW. You should face your driver side toward the direction of the wind and also take advantage of some of those taller bushes. they would help tame the wind a little. I think that would help you alot. But sometimes the wind blows so hard out there i don't think any kind of tarp is gonna stand up. I love watching your travels. You are my favorite you tube channel. Camo Dave was my 2nd best channel. Now that he has suddenly past away I miss him. Travel safe and enjoy Quartsite.

[@carolstockman7788]

Maybe I can help- use tent stakes that screw in about 8 inch's long and use cordless drill to screw tent stakes down. Works for me, senior disabled female veteran minivan camper with my standard poodle.

[@jhemnes1]

It is an awesome buy! You'll learn so many ways to use it Ms McGyver lol. Nothing can stand those winds at times. I'm glad you made it to Quartzsite and I so wish I was there. It's been a year and that was my maiden voyage to see if I wanted to be a nomad. I loved it and met so many people including a life long friend that I keep in touch with.

[@angelah5194]

You’ll get it figured out. Some shade is better than no shade and I also felt your relief when you got to use your new stove. Such simple things make the biggest difference sometimes ✌🏻☮️

[@cherylengland5462]

I love your adventures, and you don’t have a annoying voice like a lot of people I have ran across. Love your tarp skills. Keep going we would all be lost without your blogs. 🥰

[@VivecaV2020]

I like your positive attitude and persistence.

[@patsykluting-lucas3804]

Suggestion: put streamers or something like pool noodles on ropelines. Helps to prevent someone walking/tripping over lines.

[@6spring3]

I’m looking for a side awning, too, for my minivan! Thanks for sharing your experience with this one!

[@NinjaBooKitty]

Wow I appreciate so much when youtubers do all this hard work and research to show us what it's like! Honestly, I would just send it back and look at the people around you and see what they are doing that's working. I had an idea to just get a stiff board to set upright on the top of your van that would create shade. The only problem there is it would only provide shade in one direction. Would you be opposed to getting a clam or you want something more open?

[@charlesrock2746]

You are an awesome young lady! My wife and I appreciate your sense of humor in the midst of your tarp in the wind frustration!!! Hope your future travels are safe and fun....

[@susansmith2969]

You’re so danged cute. Your giggles make me smile every time! Your new shelter is great and I’m sure you’ll get better at putting it up. Have fun in the desert!

[@kjmav10135]

Sometimes it’s just that Mother Nature won’t cooperate. In wind like that, any tarp would have a tendency to turn into a sail. Not being able to sink the stakes firmly into the ground because it’s desert also works against you. I’m sure there are other Arizona Van lifers who might have some great suggestions about this. You are one persistent woman!

[@AnAlbertaGirlAtHeart]

Maybe try parking closer to some of those bushes with the van upwind of them. So the van is blocking the wind and the wind travels "over" the tarp toward the bushes that the guide ropes are tied to...

[@karenm.welter5351]

Great video! I think the way you park will help when wind is so strong. I love the patience you showed while getting tarp set up! Just keep trying! Good luck! 👍😊💨

[@Julian-do7bv]

I am really happy that you like the awning I think with a little trail and error you will get the hang of it and itll give you shade and also keep the van cooler for you and Joey

[@originalmamagrizzly2478]

It works… but yeah the poles seem rather tall… maybe just get some shorter poles… but it does look like it provides a ton of nice shade… looks like you did a really good job, all things considered… 👍👍👍

[@lyndahardy8168]

I have a 12 volt electric kettle. Heats water super fast. Plug into car or Jackery. Love love love it. Got it at Amazon

[@vanofgold1029]

I just love your persistence, I would have given up a lot sooner. Thanks for sharing 👍🏾🥰

[@kimsargeant8126]

Chantel, I love your attitude and your videos. I am always so happy when I check and there is a new one from you. You are so capable and persistent! You did great! Even a small tarp is hard to do by yourself. Add in the winds and it is really hard. I think there are some great ideas in what others have posted.

[@marilyntatman5629]

The only shelters I've seen staying up down there have those big screwed in auger stakes, crossbars that have rocks on them, and tied down to vehicles. Good luck!

[@katieking3023]

I love that you use real maple syrup and those sausages are yummy. Breakfast for dinner for the win! Good luck with awning. Thanks for the video!

[@samshepperrd]

I've seen people use lag bolts (available at tool store in quartzite) to make a firm anchor in that rock and sand soil. But you need an impact driver and right size socket for the lag bolt to screw them into the ground. Don't even think about trying to pound those ten inch solid steel then pegs into that soil. But the lag bolts tend to work around the recks and stay in very securely. The impact driver has other uses like working your vans jack to lift it to change a tire. Once again you'd need the right socket to fit the jack. Show the jack to the hardware sales person to see if this'll work for your car. Manually jacking up a car can be more taxing than putting up that awning. Would probably work great where there's less wind.

[@xstanadu]

I’m excited for your journey to Quartsite ~ You should be very proud of yourself w/ your awning addition and attempting to get it just right . Sorry it didn’t turn out so great w/ these ARIZONA winds ~ but I’m convinced you’ll get it “ perfect “ soon ! New stove and awning and coffee AND pancakes 🥞 in the desert 🌵 who could ask for more !!😄 YUM !! Your excited and happy mood helps so much 😄 Little Joey is your guardian angel 😊 He’s too cute … just be careful and cautious as there are coyotes out in the desert ! So watch out for Lil Joey’s safety Congratulations on your journey and I’m happy to see your Happiness in the desert area of Quartsite !! Enjoy !! ⭐️

[@cynthiamontgomery9420]

My Ex watched your video with me and he offered a suggestion, use 3/4 inch conduit 10ft poles, use them so they stick out 5ft from your luggage rack and secure shade cloth to those poles. He said he would do it to my van and I can take a picture and send it to you. Also said breathable material is better so the wind can blow through not away.

[@katzsparkly8324]

As you probably know now, always use all your guide lines & stakes, especially with “flappy” things that do not cover an item (like rain tops for tents). The only thing I’ve ever found that doesn’t want to blow away from a car and is easy for one person is the ones that are mounted to the roof rack. Wind will always mess with “sails”.

[@josephineoliver9499]

Trial n error you'll get there..that's wat life is about, we're forever learning, A+ for persevering with a smile 😃

[@paulawalter6277]

Thank you for sharing your experiences with all of us . I keep trying to get my significant other to go tiny ,I'd love to be in Arizona for the colder months . My 10 year old said he'd love to try the living tiny experience. Maybe someday it will happen for us. Again you are such an inspiration to may .stay safe and healthy in 2022 !!!

[@dianeb7526]

Watch Minivan Lee video of her and Paul putting up a tent. Funny! Plus there are two of them. The take that I feel may help you if you have a drill is the stakes they got that can be drilled into the hard ground there at Quartzsite. I hope you enjoy their video and cheers to you for erecting that tarp all by your self! You are right, it should get easier each time you do it. Hugs for Joey.

[@bettybrigance6784]

I love your confidence....you are a "get it done kind of gal"....and i love the tarp, you'll figure it out..!...wish I was out there too, but later..take care and keep going

[@pammilner7161]

Engineer husband sez…2 things …. Buy a stake and a hammer to create pilot holes for times when you want it up for awhile (if the ground is agreeable). 2…when the winds come ..with one end of the tarp attached to your Tulle, take the opposite end and pull as far as you can so it becomes a lean-to. Put sand bags and rocks along edge . You will lose some walking space, but you still have wind and sun protection, as well as privacy, as well as workable space. Think 'lean-to'.

[@alikawhite6903]

I love doing things like that it adds to the adventure, I think you invented a new way to put the tent up. 😎 Hey Chantelle, have you ever put one of those heavier tarps from Amazon (20.) w/ the reflective silver color on one side, it shields your van from a lot of heat coming in. They have grommets. or How about putting the new awning all the way over the van so the van is shaded on both sides. ( can still put a reflective tarp on top over it. I know - wind is tiring. Love to you, you’re amazing!

[@barbibutton9619]

Even sunburnt (or windburn), you looked super beautiful. Love your spirit. "The tent kicked my ass" just did it for me lol. Joey sleeping in the shaded vehicle was super sweet and worth the fight, eh?

[@banjojoeanddanielle]

The truckers hitch is the knot to learn for guy lines. Thanks for all the great videos!

[@layrathompson2869]

Turn the van around, let the van block the wind. Love your videos

[@jneum33224]

Seeing you put up that tarp looked very complicated. I think it looks nice and definitely adds an extension to your living space. The camp stove looks nice.

[@gingerphillips3664]

I know nothing about dessert winds so this may not even be possible but, maybe if you try to position your van so the wind is hitting the driver's side first. Just a thought. I love watching your videos and living vicariously through you. ❤

[@chavanvinay]

Sunday morning..watching it with breakfast was good. you are so simplistic thank you for sharing your journey

[@catzcradle]

Arizona winds are brutal! No one I know has had an awning hold up to it. Eventually they fail. One suggestion, I wouldn't attach it to your windshield wiper. Good luck!

[@FishMH]

you got it... aerodynamic angles for tarp. Great job ! Joey's face was priceless..."I ain't going out there Ma"

[@mjmcinnespoems]

I like the new set up of how not only do you have shade, you and Joey have privacy. Tooooo bad about the wind though. One thing I’ve found that works well with those weighted bag things is using 2Litre bottles of pop at first, and later refill with sand/pebbles. 💐💐

[@alikawhite6903]

Looks like Joey knows he’s a movie star now!! 🥰🤩

[@ruthieclarke9125]

Hi Chantelle! Yeah, any kind of 'awning' in the wind is 'iffy'. I have one attached to my Casita and rarely use it because if it is windy and rips it's uber expensive to replace. You did your best though! Problem for me is most of the places I camp longer term are windy (AZ and WY). Maybe just an umbrellla that you can collapse when the wind blows hard would give you some shade with less trouble. You always figure it out! Love to you and Joey!

[@coralieofjumpwithnofear]

Oh, yay! I opened KZbin to find something nice to watch, and there’s your new video. Woot! 😊

[@lilmissdaydreamer4741]

Yay! I will be headed to Quartzite this weekend! Maybe we might bump into each other at some point. Way to be so patient with your new shade tarp. You handled that like a champ! So much of this lifestyle is trial and error so I totally sympathize with you in this video. Safe travels! ❤

[@TrojanOneAndAll]

Hey Chantelle I wondered if you ever encountered any snakes out in your wanderings. I worry about Joey. I just live in the country and I'm terrified of snakes. I have a little Papillion about Joey's size & he's blind in one eye and deaf but fearless, lol. Not tryining to worry you. I love your tenacity.

[@inhertrax9612]

I live for these sunrises and sunsets SOOO BEAUTIFUL !!! I point them out to ppl who live here and they are like mehhhh 🙄

[@betsybaker4636]

I think you did a great job with the tarp for the first try! Glad you're not giving up on it. Love your new stove! I had to make pancakes as soon as your video was over. 😋

[@annieway8418]

I don’t live in my minivan but we have one set up so we can camp in it when we drive across country. We have a Tail Veil that has worked out very well. No poles, it uses the tailgate to hold it up and stakes in the ground. Enough shade for two of us and the dogs. It has a separate rain fly. Mixed results in the rain (we had one rainstorm where it flooded overnight another where it didn’t get wet inside. You can close the tailgate with it set up if necessary. Literally takes 10 minutes to set up and I can do it by myself (I’m 70). It’s a little pricy but has worked very well for us.

[@slumberjackgear]

Glad you were able to "MacGyver" the shelter somewhat., that is always a good skill to have! If you haven't already, try the 10" stakes included with the tarp next time., they should hold a lot better when the wind blows. Happy camping!

[@dfros1957]

Chantel , you'll figure it out . And like you said there are still other way to try it. And if it doesn't work in the 🌬️ wind it's going to be great in other places. I love watching your video and following you and Joey on your adventures. You have got this .😊❤️🌬️

[@aussiebeltane8475]

Well Done You Chantell...there is no way I could've done that by myself...let alone in the wind...Enjoy !!! 😊👌🙋‍♀️

[@eleanoreleichtenberg9290]

Ah the Arizona winds! My dad and I camped in November over at Craggy Wash near Lake Havasu & our clam tent blew over & knocked over all of our tables & kitchen supplies/propane stove.

[@solomanwithdogandavan8574]

During that 100 degree heat wave last summer Ricky and I stopped at Walmart and bought a canopy for $39 to get some protection from the sun. I wasn't strong enough to set it up by myself; I hit 70 yrs old and have no strength anymore. All the braces got bent and I couldn't fold it up so I had to cut it into pieces to fit in the dumpster at Fort Robinson campground in NE. LOL

[@ruthballard1550]

You're awesome! Capable, strong, resilient, funny, positive and super independent. Thanks for your videos.

[@southernsierra9404]

Joeys little underbite is so adorable 🥰

[@norm5785]

Having a challenge with the new shade will provide a wonderful learning experience for you. I love the way it looks. That looks like a really good stove . Great 👍 check ✅ for pancakes and sausages. You are awesome, love your presentations and locations.

[@marianfrances4959]

Love the awning. Love the stove. Good days ahead for you and Joey. 👍🇨🇦🌲🔥🌎💘🐾

[@fayesheets5509]

You did a great job considering the wind,it will sure make your van cooler,Joey was really enjoying the breeze coming in,love that little face,so cute!!Stay safe,have fun and we'll see you next time!!!

[@1sthawkfeathers547]

You did everything you could. I have to bring in my awning on my camper wgen the wonds blow in Florida. Completely unavoidable. You and little Joey are just so ute. I really enjoy your travels. You are a pseudo granddaughter and doggie to me and Miss Jessi Coulter Beagle 🌹👵🏽🐕‍🦺 Happy Travels 😊

[@magicalmary2706]

Great job on the tarp! It takes practice. You’ll get better at it as you go along.

[@karenroe6270]

Its a great idea keep working on it and I love the new stove. 2 burner is the way to go. Especially since you like to cook. Have a blessed week my sweet friend 🥰🌟💖

[@Weezieweeks]

If you can get the stakes in the ground a ways, that will help - maybe get some extra water to get the ground wet or dig down a bit and then add some water. Usually in high winds, you will need to take down the shade anyway.

[@LovingAtlanta]

👍You’re so adorable. I love your positive attitude. Hope things get better with the shade tarp. 💝

[@ruthsmith6502]

I saw another video that got screw in heavy duty stakes with a drill, from Amazon. Also someone got heavy rebar stakes from hardware store in Quartzite. They went into that ground and stayed. Good luck, I enjoy you and joey.😊

[@ellevanroamer487]

Looks so pretty out there! The solitude and the sunrise/sunset! Beautiful. Consider yourself lucky even with a troublesome shade.

[@MannyWC]

Hello Chantelle~ I know your struggle with tarps and wind! This is what I ended up using. I LOVE that it actually blocks UV rays, it is woven so wind can blow through easier. If I want more UV blockage or it’s windy af! I fold it. Very very pleased, and cheap! I just stuff it into an extra stuff sack when done. Amazon: White Reflective Aluminet Shade Cloth Sunblock Shade Net UV Resistant, Premium Garden Shade Mesh Tarp Top Shade Cloth Quality Panel Flowers Plants Patio Lawn Customized

[@amyfollmer1412]

You are so awesome. I believe in you! Take care! 😃

[@halfwaymo9075]

I always watch your videos, rarely ever post comments....iv got to say something today...although shade shelter is a pain in the ass, keep at it, it's worth it, you'll figure out the best way to set it up....I'd try tree branch for secure braces to...keep at it....it's worth it.....love your site.....Missouri💚

[@Banagal]

That was some wind for sure. Love your new stove. The sky was beautiful and so nice to wake up to every morning.

[@MBlackBonnet]

I really enjoyed this video. I laughed at the tent "leashed to the rock. I'm sure it was hard work, but good effort!! I love your vids!!

[@tomg109]

I have this same tarp and can assure you it is much easier to setup off the back of your vehicle. Have fun!

[@wildzenventures]

The new stove looks great! You have such a great positive attitude 🥰 Cheers to more adventures.

[@indirasolanki6333]

You may want to remove it from your rear wiper.. the strong wind may break it. Hope the tent works, it seems too windy for any tent. You will figure it out. Hopefully I will start traveling one of these days.

[@michellekobiska9451]

Your doggie joey is so dang cute I love his smile makes my day when I see his smile hugs stay safe you two

[@bangbangcfp]

Nice tarp thingie. You’ll get the hang of it and it will become easier. And yeah! How pricey has our wonderful propane gotten?!?!? Last bottle I bought was $8. Bucks! What😬. Yes, for 1 lb bottle, glad you found a new stove, hope you like it. Let us know how you like a 2 burner opposed to your old one burner. I have the one burner which is why I ask. Have fun!!!! 😊🐾

[@starrmcnally3032]

Looks great! Practice makes perfect. Get a mallett to hammer stakes in with. Nice stove!! Love it and your amazing adventures!

[@summerstardust2064]

Almost need a patio umbrella stand for the poles. It will be nice once you get it figured out. That's half the fun!

[@barbararobinson4698]

You are a total trooper Chanterelle. I love your channel and your videos too. I was scared that the wind might wrench your rear view mirror and windshield wiper off. you are too kind to the manufacturer of that Sun shade.

[@SCSpagirl2]

Good Morning Chantel. You will get better at putting the tarp up as you do it more. It will being great shade to you & Joey. Loved the scenery. As always you never disappoint with the videos. Have a great week in the desert & look forward to the next one.

[@proudchristian77]

Good morning, nice piece of shade , ☕🍯🍶💖 it look's nice too & your fur child will like it , 🐾💖🐕

[@donnyt857]

Bravo on the tarp. Love Joey. You are so brave. I wish I could do what you’re doing. 💛

[@MeganMcCune]

You did awesome. I would've been swearing up a storm and probably cry a little then laugh later. Good job and great attitude! 💜 hi joe

[@Barry_BredaNL]

Hi Chantelle if the winds come mainly out of a few (similar) directions, turn the side of your home (that you do not open) into the wind, so the tarp doesn't catch the full strenght of the wind and the car breaks the wind partly. i might not be the first person to suggest this, hope it helps. Sincerely Barry

[@ReneaDooserider]

Oh My Gosh. You did so good. Thank you for sharing. Now I know my awning set up will not work either in the desert . But other people I’ve seen use 12” bolts with power drills. To keep their clam shell pop up’s in the desert up. In Washington we’ve use bungees and lots of tarps. Durning very rainy and windy nights. 💕🦋💜 just trying to be helpful.

[@lindalawrie148]

Hello Chantelle. The new side tent is awesome. Congratulations on erecting this thing on your own. Arizona winds are something elae. Try not to attach a guy line to windscreen wipers. But, good going. 👍