Why I Bought a NORTHERN LITE Truck Camper

[@PJXXIII]

Hi Kevin, I gotta tell you…..I have never seen you as “relaxed” as you are on this video. What a cool thing to experience as a viewer! It’s like you truly were in your element. Words flowed, genuine smiles that did not seem forced at all, all kinds of good info, and a GREAT flip onto the bed. I ALWAYS enjoy your videos but this one shows that you truly were talking to “us.” Thanks for the ride. Dave

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

Thank you 😊

[@Imran-eq8xh]

Kevin, Another GREAT video. Keep up the good work. Thank you.

[@georgemurphy9910]

Keep going Kevin I want to see you hit 100,000🎉🎉🎉👍👍

[@HRA898]

I enjoy your videos Kev. I live just outside of Calgary and know the forestry trunk road well. Have done a lot of off the grid camping. Keep on Truckin 👍👍

[@cparker777]

This life style looks good on you, keep it up. Love the videos :)

[@nevysadventuresllc9074]

There is a video of a female truck camper living and she put an adjustable bed frame in hers and said it works awesome and she also said it helps from getting a moldy mattress. Not sure if you knew but if you don’t have airflow under your mattress it will grow mold on the bottom.

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

Yes I’ll be getting the froli system once the weather begins to get colder sooo expensive lol

[@goober9983]

You're right about Northern light not changing the floor plan. That 2 year old I looked at is exactly like that 😊

[@RaivenBC]

Can’t beat the clamshell build. Same design as the Bigfoot, which what we used to have.

[@jerroldeilander2454]

Kevin! Awesome video! Super informative. Watched it twice - lots of info here. We can all tell you’re doing what you want to do. I’m jealous! Keep posting! J.

[@cparker777]

Fav truck camper, I would get this one 100%

[@alt7288]

great video, thanks

[@jodiswanson2075]

Another great video!

[@susanhill9166]

Hey Kevin, very interesting video, loads of advice for other people, I like that. You take care X X X

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

Thank you!! 😊

[@yeetbeam2273]

Kevin, I found you channel recently, and its bee really neat to see what you do, I have been thinking about doing the same thing as you with living in a truck camper, and honesty your channel is genuinely great. You are genuinely inspiring, living your life how you want. I am from central alberta and managing winters was one of my biggest concerns, but these videos have shown its possible, and it seems to be just as great as I was hoping. I hope your channel grows quickly and entertains and inspires more people. Good luck and I will be watching the video's as much as I can.

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

Thank you 😊

[@cheylou1]

Don’t forget to keep me updated with your modifications as I am scared of being cold in -30

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

@@cheylou1 check out everything goes wrong at -40, and how to survive a real Canadian winter. Those two videos I cover a lot but this year I’ll be sure to make videos about the mods I’ll be doing to this rig

[@cheylou1]

I like informative as I am learning lots from you.

[@notreallyhere7719]

Hey Kevin. Also a fan of northern lights. The floor plan and simplicity. One thing about the r values. Thier is no thermal bridging in northern light campers. They don't have aluminum in the walls. Every aluminum piece in the artic fox acts as a bridge for heat to escape. U look on the outside outside of aluminum camper when it's cold u can see the outline of the aluminum. Also the marine carpet on the roof, I'm not sure if they factor that in , but ik it helps. Bigfoot will often have customization allowed. They can have more windows, skylights. Which more possiblity for leaks and more potential for heat escaping. Northern light has the standard 4 windows on all their models. Thanks for the video.

[@stevenkukene9970]

Point to ponder; A slide not only adds weight but considerably more complex. Sure, the added space would be nice but once it jams in the open position, you will be less than happy…..

[@augustwoehler843]

Just sub'd! really love the topic of winter truck mods for ski hill camping in MT. you seem to have everything thought out.

[@CyArch97]

These are not cheap, but I'd love to have one....have to start saving up lol thanks for the information! This will be awesome on the back of my new GMC 2500HD AT4 some day😀

[@pascalfo6014]

Canadien made is a good thing to ,winter pro

[@cliffskodnek6133]

It’s nice having a Northern Lite camper

[@shaecloud4403]

Hearing AF referred to as the "end all be all" of four-season camping is laughable. They lack insulation everywhere! I thought of bigfoot as the best option when I first got into tc's... after following Jonathan Yentch trying to restore an old bigfoot, I'm convinced AF along with many others are comparable. Lance, Northstar, Kimbo, .. If money isn't an issue, Host, Eagle Cap, Earth Roamer, TruckHouse, Rugged Mountain I live in an '05 AF1160, and I actually cut my slide into pieces and threw it away bit by bit! It weighed a ton! After 5-6 years of modifications, I must have cut my dry weight in half. No more rooftop AC, satellite, water heater, stove, propane Cummins generator, microwave, TV, sink, Suburban furnace, or slide! I also got rid of every window except two. I added foam board and attic cat insulation everywhere. I filled in the three skylights, all the fans, and the area where the AC unit was. I added an extra layer to the floor before finishing it with vinyl plank. The wall where the slide used to be is now about R20! I put an extra sheet on my door and other areas of the original wall. Added R40 where the cabover window was. I also have an extra 4" under my mattress, which makes my Olympian Wave 8 heater ridiculously overpowered for this tiny space. It's uncomfortable on the lowest setting, even with a window wide open and the door cracked, even during the coldest Colorado winter, living between 7500 and 8500 feet elevation. You mentioned three of the best brands, but I'd say there are at least three more mass production companies to consider. I do love the aluminum frame on the '05+ AF. Without it, the water intrusion when I first bought it would have destroyed it. Repairs and modifications are simpler, in my opinion, because it's more like working on a house than a boat. However, I did finish my foam wall with fiberglass fabric and epoxy where the slide was, like a giant surfboard, before painting it with house paint, so I guess it's not too different. I've completely remodeled it to feel like a house rather than an RV. All my lighting is with 12V LED Edison bulbs, etc. Basically, what I'm trying to say is I love truck campers! www.truckcamperadventure.com/truck-camper-buyers-guide/

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

I love truck campers too!!! The big custom smaller companies that do the full flatbed composites are I would say prob the best built but how much better, worth an extra 100000$ better lol maybe I’ve never slept in one at -40

[@shaecloud4403]

I'll keep you posted if I ever survive a -40 in mine!

[@KyleLutes-vn1rt]

Another great and interesting video. You make me wish I was you!!!

[@JohnGrit]

They are awesome campers. Wish I could find one that I can afford.

[@Sasquatchflow]

Northern Light makes the best slide on… and has the longest warranty of any camper and is only a two peace shell so no leaks 👍🏻

[@blueman5924]

Same as Bigfoot right ? Two pc fibreglass shell.👍

[@Sasquatchflow]

@@blueman5924better

[@scottallen7195]

Very nice camper, Ive got a older model lance squire 11” I’ve never used it,picked it up from the original owner for cheep in great shape, it came with a torklift frame mounts,naturally I had the wrong truck .. so little did I know how much money was involved in torklift but I’m ordering little by little to get this adventure started.. new sub looking forward to the content

[@Popdog69]

Would you consider heating pads on the tanks in addition to the extra heat ducting? I could see it being advantageous in some of the worst sub-zero temperatures.

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

The tanks have a large amount of water to Freeze and water freezes top down, biggest issue would be pee traps and lines freezing as they have small amounts of sitting water, you’ll have much bigger problems if your tank freezes solid in one of these truck campers lol

[@blueman5924]

@@KevinWaldsAdventuresWhy not simply do “dry” camping for the very cold season ? Having a sink with flowing water is nice, but not a necessity. Ditto for using the crapper compared to the poop bucket. 🤙

[@notreallyhere7719]

@@blueman5924 I love full time in a Northwood nash. Just something about having all your plumbing, water working. I've been below - 15. Just me and it's personal preference.

[@lindamarie6574]

Nice, very cozy!

[@timbillman4461]

Love the videos! Maybe I missed it in another video but what has been your real world MPG with this rig loaded?

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

12-14 mpg depending on a lot but I’ve never had worse than 12

[@justsaynrush9689]

Any time you eliminate slides from any camper they are much better to heat and cool.

[@slimmishler5525]

I enjoy these info segments. I’ve had four truck campers and I’m ready for the “Last one”. Looking for a Northern Lights down here in the States is hard, very few. Just spent a month in Colorado and looked at two newer ones. Still pricey.

[@templarknight1981]

come up to BC and buy one REMEMBER you get 30% more for your money on the exchange rate thats already an incentive

[@slimmishler5525]

@@templarknight1981 I’m leaning towards doing that. But that would be in my 2025 plan.

[@SimplyOffGridLife]

On my 2016 doge ram diesel, it came with stablizer on the rear axle. When one put on a heavy unit, they often replace it with a heaver unit. Something to look into it, if one find it get tippy. I alway found the KO2 have less roll over feeling when going around corners. Hopefully the KO3 will be available this fall, as I need to replace my four KO2 tires.

[@boostedlss6450]

I bought a NL 9-6 but I sure would like the pantry and the over-dinette cabinets that come on the 10-2.

[@laraffinee]

Did I miss a tour of the bathroom? That's an important amenity. also want to know how much maintenance is needed for the bathroom tanks etc,

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

Awesome video very good info 🛠️🇨🇦🛠️🇨🇦

[@Ohiostategenerationx]

What is the dry weight on your camper. Also how much did you pay for it?

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

2400lbs and I paid $12000 cdn

[@Ohiostategenerationx]

@@KevinWaldsAdventures yeah that is a good deal for sure.

[@rhladylo1609]

Why weren't you interested in the Escape? Anyone's comments would also be appreciated.

[@DOUGLASLASH-xy4ct]

nice hat!

[@ParadoxdesignsOrg]

is it really super dangerous to run a camper on a 1500, even if the suspension has been upgraded?

[@Nomaswearefull]

Life is dangerous

[@charlesb4267]

If you had stated what model camper this is I missed it, I am assuming its a 9-6 model ? . If so and its similar specs to a current unit as per interior ceiling height I see they are 6'4" ( the 10-2 being 6'8" ). The reason I bring that up is I saw all this head room you had while standing in the camper and then you stated you're height ... well I am over 6'4" so even ceilings that are listed as higher but with any lower hanging air conditioning ducting etc they don't take into account as that is always lower, its a struggle for a taller person.

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

This is a 2001 ten 2000. The new 10-2 will most likely be taller I think

[@charlesb4267]

@@KevinWaldsAdventures That's interesting, the back end overhang looks similar to photos of a 9-6. So that brings up another couple of questions, have you gone over the scale with your whole unit to see what it weighs. Also does your Ram have both front and rear anti sway bars as I am surprised its not a scary top heavy feeling unit because of its size and the height that the basement jacks those campers up to ( not to mention your lift/tires on the truck ).

[@blueman5924]

Tell me about it…At 6-5 1/2, I have to hunch over, just to stand and use the pee jug. 🤣

[@charlesb4267]

@@blueman5924 LOL, yes and I think some of the showers tend to be lower due to the floor drain, unless it happens to have a skylight to bring back lost ceiling height. And sitting upright on the front bed, again some fit with room while others have a head hitting experience constantly. Never mind having issues with head room in some pickups.

[@maxxonetwo3]

Kevin, What is the model number on your Northern Lite camper ? Thank you for the video.

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

It’s a 2001 ten-2000. The todays version is called a 10-2

[@maxxonetwo3]

@@KevinWaldsAdventures Thank you Kevin. If you ever want to boondock for a day or more you can stop by Lake George, NY (Adirondacks). Just drop me a notice. Be safe. Rick

[@brotherheed00]

"A camper i can't fill" dude must not have a wife. Lol.

[@The_apple_panda]

Kevin are you solo travelers?

[@SimplyOffGridLife]

If you haven't tried this, give it a try. A heated blanket to fit your mattress. We use it all the time. It takes very little wattage. We have the victron system and can run AC items when off grid. We ran two of them all night and had very little draw from the battery. current have 500amp, but all setu up to add 1200amp if needed. If concern about amp draw, one can turn it on an hour before bedtime, during winter or cold days. @simplyoffgridlife

[@JM-4716]

Hey Kevin, just wondering how much interior space would be lost if a guy was getting the NL 8-11 short box model. Reviews are great but I think you have an 8 ft box on your Ram. Mines the short (6.4 ft) so just wondering if you know any info about them. Thanks !

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

I wouldn’t worry too much about losing space. The 8-11 is about the same as 9-6 except the 8-11 you do have an option for a dry bath, the 10-2 is taller and I think wider, but not much longer. I wouldn’t switch my truck for o get a 9-6 or 10-2 the 8-11 is a great layout and you won’t be disappointed, I would recommend going and standing in all of them at a northern lite dealer though. That’s the best way to get a feel for what you need 🍻

[@JM-4716]

@@KevinWaldsAdventures Thanks dude, keep the AB content coming !

[@SpykersB]

Hey Kevin, it's too bad u don't have a pantry eh 😂 😉. I seriously actually don't because I got the dry bath version, which works very well for my needs anyway. And what's better about the bigfoot over NL? The older bigfoot didn't even have dual pane windows, so ya lost me there. 🍻

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

I’d only say there tanks were bigger and the furnace puts out more heat. Otherwise the northern lite is about a 1000lbs lighter lol I think both are great campers 🍻

[@oscarschneider3522]

You didn't mention the most important thing: how much it cost, and installation!

[@zepher5829]

“It’s not about, a boat” 😂 sorry just not used to the accent. Great videos

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

No idea what you are talking ABOOT 😉 😂

[@Rottingboards]

What is your gas mileage, truck, and truck engine?

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

12-14 mpg, winter is closer to 12 usually

[@lawrencek9748]

Any reason why youre sticking with propane for heat instead of moving to a diesel heater? Seems like you will be battling moisture/freezing on the windows using propane. Enjoying the videos dude, keep it up!

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

The propane furnace doesn’t produce moisture, that’s all vented outside, works the same as a diesel Heater just different fuel. Also the propane furnace is 23 years old and works as good as new and very easy to get parts for. Diesel Heaters are great until you add long lengths of ducting, then they don’t have the cfm to push air to all the places you need heat. I will say any custom build or a very old camper a diesel heater is a great idea to use rather than trying to retrofit in a propane furnace! Thank you 😊

[@michaellong6002]

which model number is it please?

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

2001 ten-2000

[@stevehicks9374]

Your truck would handle any of those campers no problem. Might have to beef up suspension

[@justzayfugitcampertrucktra6168]

❤❤❤❤

[@frankzicari784]

The reason it works is because it just works?

[@vancey6072]

Yep. A $75k truck camper and $75k truck to hold it. No problem.

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

lol i wish I could afford that

[@templarknight1981]

good job again keep going ..head into Sandon or some other historic places and show us around a little ...oh the camper what about the crapper and shower is there one ?

[@KevinWaldsAdventures]

There is a crapper And shower 😂

[@55afishead]

If I was a hobbit I would like the bed area also!

[@jonnyc4300]

Lol well good thing truck campers aren’t made for Giraffes either Bozo. They are made for the “average” person and 5’8 is average height you cornball beanstalk 🤡 I’m sure it sucks an elfken like you can’t enjoy it but your mom likes the bed area also! 😮

[@freedompanda9438]

You mean besides watching Tails of Wanderlust’s videos? 🤣