WINTER CAMPING AT -12F IN A POP-UP TRUCK CAMPER DURING A WINTER STORM

[@Weretherussos]

For more content, check out our official website weretherussos.com

[@TheMightsparrow]

Jeff bezos lookalike

[@BOOMBAJA]

It’s good to see Jeff Bezos living the simple life

[@JohnSmith-qg9sv]

Very Funny!!

[@radio-su6lh]

Helps to keep him real 😏

[@tomlorenzen4062]

@Jon Mord why? Because he has made more of himself than you?

[@tomstarcevich1147]

😄😄😄😄😄😄👍

[@billykeith9766]

Now that shit is funny I don't care who you are

[@aNorwegianGuy]

Depending on your battery type, ventilation of the batteries is essential because a highly flammable / explosive gas is made while charging

[@WestCascades]

Thought about that myself. Wet cell batteries (car, boat, what have you) create hydrogen gas when charging. Hard to say what these were in the video. But ya, yours is a real concern.

[@lylestavast7652]

These are LiFePo4 it appears, but good warning for some of the others...

[@MrGeforcerFX]

that's for lead acid batteries which vent off hydrogen gas when charging. You can see in the video they have LiFePo4 batteries which don't normally vent and if they do you got some larger problems.

[@brentguidry833]

Yeh I was coming to say the same thing not just flammable noxious

[@rustythecat2163]

Good info!

[@Nguyening_music]

instead of foam, you guys should add an electric heater mat that turns on whenever the battery gets below a certain temperature, that way u can winterize ur battery but at the same time dont have to worry about heat during the summer.

[@dionst.michael5818]

neato

[@malelpn37]

The batteries also vent to the outside in case one of them cracks. So I don’t think you would want them to vent to the inside. During the extreme cold covering the hole up and maybe using a heated pad such as you use for sprouting seeds might help keep it warm and not worry about overheating

[@MastaSquidge]

@@malelpn37 lithium doesn't need to be vented. The only time you'll get any off gassing is if you've had a major failure, and for the most part that is only with the large cells. There's no gassing during charging or discharging at all. The Battleborn batteries are even safer than cheaper brands because they use many small cells which are virtually indestructible in their cases.

[@jonothandoeser]

What!?? These two is miscegenated!!!

[@derp195]

@@MastaSquidge Right, in my experience, if you need to vent your lithium batteries, you do it with a fire extinguisher in hand.

[@realtoytrains]

That 7.3 is one of the best engines ever made. Have faith in it, take good care of it, and it will love you for years to come!

[@AlaskaMatt]

Living in Alaska I use a Webasto Diesel air heater. I highly recommend it. It runs off your diesel tank and uses almost no power and you never have to refill propane

[@bektas1981]

You are absolutely right. I can’t believe how many people don’t know about the diesel bunk heaters. Hell you can get the Chinese ones for $130 on eBay. I’ve got one of those in my semi truck for the past 3 years, loving it.

[@jcsphotography9318]

And alot safer especially if ur using those buddy heaters

[@colinmccormack1728]

And you can use it to heat your truck cab because diesel engines just never produce enough heat when it’s really cold.

[@Brad-vs1lk]

Could not pay me to own a diesel! There is absolutely no reason to own one other than for towing! I can understand if you tow something heavy. Otherwise no way. In a camper I would have a separate diesel heater for sure because they just sip the diesel and last forever! Only hassle is the separate fill up, tank and jerry can necessary but surely worth the little bit of hassle!! You can get gasoline everywhere, diesel not so plentiful. Plus the smell and the noise! Soon enough it will all be electric anyways! Within 10 years for sure! Great video though!!

[@jcsphotography9318]

@@Brad-vs1lk bud we’re talking about heaters not trucks

[@Marcblizau]

From Africa: I've been in warm weather for 35 years of my life and had to watch this video in a blanket coz just looking at the thumbnail made me feel cold. You guys are a beautiful couple and nice content.

[@Weretherussos]

That’s pretty funny! It’s all relative - enjoy the warm weather.

[@Marcblizau]

@@Weretherussos Thanks a lot Joe.

[@bobholmes65]

Kate has an infectious smile. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Thank you!

[@garytowner9375]

I'm a hunter in north Idaho and we have had only tents with a wood stove you guys did ok for beginners.

[@jbjlock26]

Glad to see you survived the worst of the cold snap. Hope you’re both staying healthy through this! I’ve never owned a 7.3, but a trick to make it easier to start is to cycle the glow plugs 2 or 3 times before cranking. I’ve done that on vehicles that were not plugged in. It helps reduce the cranking time.

[@Weretherussos]

Yep I did that with ours. It definitely helps

[@TonyStrong-tb1po]

We cycled the glow plugs for 45 seconds.

[@ThatCarGuyYT]

Add a cheap Chinese 5kw diesel heater , it will outperform the propane heater. I’ve been one week at -22 Celsius and almost could get in my underwear and it didn’t use as much diesel as i tought🤣🤣🤣 adding a heated battery blanket that you can turn on while driving or plugged to 110 will fix your problem.

[@keithwhisman]

Glow plugs ensure a good start and smooth run on a ice cold Diesel engine. Just keep some Heet diesel additive in the tank. Don’t live in cold locals but I drove truck cross country for a bunch of years all over the US and Canada.

[@kellyash45]

I lived in the back of a Toyota 4Runner when it hit -15 degrees in the Rocky Mountains so, yeah it's very possible. Pretty easy in fact, if you know how to prepare for it.

[@layrathompson2869]

we use electric heaters when plugged in.. keeps it toasty without using propane.. burr

[@natei3518]

Agree 100%. Use the energy that you pay for with camping! ...and in a space that small, even a small ceramic 1500W heater would run you out of the camper.

[@louisbrown4620]

So do we. It’s not nearly as loud as the propane heater in the trailer either. A child safe plug-in with a thermostat is the way to go.

[@ansupal440]

From NE Ohio, show belt. Please be safe and about tire pressure, we actually increase a bit in winter time for better traction. Narrower tires helps break light snow & ice because we are trying not to slide.

[@glennvengroff7235]

In Canada we go over to the max about 50psi Not less thats for sand.

[@tuomasholo]

When it’s foggy or snow storm with limited visibility, I’ll stay put. Too many variables for accidents or malfunctions.

[@Weretherussos]

Agreed

[@YT4Me57]

My thoughts also. Don't understand the talk about the perils of being on the road during a winter storm, while being on the road during a winter storm. Unnecessary travel putting others at risk.

[@dinasyoyos6384]

Best staying put even if its at a truck stop ---- food / beverages ☕😋👌 / snacks if you run short plus some have showers.

[@Andy_M986]

It's the Lithium battery age now,regen set up is the way to go,worth the money then your batteries should be well charged.

[@mustang35146]

It’s crazy how different each area of the United States is. Here in northern Ohio those are just normal winter temperatures and we usually never have problems.

[@telestix6606]

As a Canadian that was my thought as well, he kept talking about how cold it was and I was thinking sure it's cold but it's not that cold.

[@FurnitureFan]

@@telestix6606Well, his wife had never experienced snow, so those are pretty low temperatures for people who aren't acclimatised. Canadian homes are built for lower temps, aren't they? I watched a video of someone rebuilding and taking ice dams into account. Brrr.

[@telestix6606]

@@FurnitureFan I totally get the not used to issue.

[@marcjournault8821]

"How cold" is not the only thing. "How long" is the cold is a different ball game. Two days below 0°F is certainly not comfortable, but two months below 10°F (I mean, never above) requires a completely different set-up. Every thing is solid frozen and under 6' of snow.

[@MyLonewolf25]

The USA is as big and varied in climate as Europe.

[@kennethmc2601]

I have owned 7.3s for many years. With my current one, I spent some money in the reliability department. I installed new glow plugs, new injectors (238/80s) and fresh batteries. I live in Fort Worth and was here for that crazy storm. My previous 7.3 would barely start in the 30s, this one had little noticeable difference between 0F and 85F. Neighbors cummins didnt run for 7 days.

[@lylestavast7652]

I lived in Dallas for 20 years but don't recall seeing #1 diesel anywhere - how did you winterize fuel ? Is it available on the bigger roads ?

[@lizb7777]

I love Kate enjoying the snow. Such a beautiful person.

[@bryanschwertner3585]

We’re in Texas just south edge of the Panhandle (Lubbock area) on a farm. We lucked out and didn’t lose power like so many others did. I was concerned for y’all and others who were staying in campers, vans, trailers. Glad y’all made it through that cold ok. This cold spell sure taught Texas power grid managers where they screwed up over the past 10-15 years. Hopefully it will be corrected by the next one. Last one like this was 83. I was in Patrol Division on night shift freezing my you know what off in those days! Thanks for this video! Y’all be safe out there!

[@Scriptorsilentum]

sad to say but Texas power isn't correcting anything. The added equipment, the new linemen, the specialised trucks - the grid managers are not investing in them.

[@lmac36]

Great video! As a full time RVer you learn little tricks as you go for your winter camping. Put clear bubble wrap on your windows inside your camper. It is amazing how it gives that added layer of insulation to them. I would get a roll of silver insulation bubble wrap and put that around the inside of your canvased wall. That is one super cool unit. Safe travels. 😊

[@fredselbman3319]

In 1974 I lived in a Cab over Camper in Fairbanks Alaska, about froze my ass off ! What an experience that was 🥶

[@norcaldave9904]

What a rough few days. Glad you made it. that was something for sure. Campground was the place to be.

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Dave

[@garbinator09]

Agree, I was delighted to see this expertly ran Campground.

[@arthurscott4467]

You people just exude the American Spirit .you make anyone watching feel welcome. Kate's child like demeanor is refreshing ,as is your refreshing honesty about your situation you two complement each other . Never give up , never give in ,and never turn back. God Bless you both.

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you Arthur!

[@MrChadx1]

Winter camping in pickup campers is great. Thanks for the video. Regarding airing down your tires for snow and ice....Yikes! You never want to air down tires to drive on snow and ice. You reduce your traction; not increase it. Air down for rocks, sand, rugged trails, but never for snow and ice. The tire sipes and tread can't do their work when aired down. Glad everything worked out well and you enjoyed the adventure.

[@duffman1241]

? Airing down in the snow works great it gives you more contact area giving you more traction. It has saved my life in winter storms while driving off the lake ice fishing more than once

[@MrChadx1]

@@duffman1241 Could be with very specific types of tires and very specific situations such as deep snow where you must float rather than have traction on a hard surface, but with winter tires with sipes on a road (meaning there is a bottom to the snow and hard surface underneath vs deep bottomless snow) you loose traction by airing down. The sipes collapse and can't get bite. Also, you don't want a larger contact patch; you want a smaller one because there are more pounds of pressure per square inch of contact patch which gives one more traction. Increasing the contact patch by airing down decreases the pressure per square inch of contact patch which means less grip. That is why snow tires for a specific vehicles are typically slightly narrower than the summer tire. So it really depends on the surface, but where you are on an snowy/icy surface that has a bottom, like a road, lowering tire pressure reduces traction.

[@duffman1241]

@@MrChadx1 you don’t live in the snow belt do ya lol. Tell me this why would you air your tires down in the sand? For traction and floating it’s not rocket surgery. The same goes for snow a tire that is low pressure will have more contact with the snow speeding the wieght making you float! Nice paragraph of bull shit your clueless. The only time you run your winter tires full in deep snow is if your running chains. The less air in your tire opens up the siping smakin more gravel to accumulate in the 🤣. Come on up to Mn I’ll show you what the snows all about I’ve driven in it for 26years

[@duffman1241]

@@MrChadx1 more contact pressure doesn’t help you float in the snow🤣

[@MrChadx1]

@@duffman1241 We are talking about two different scenarios and conditions. Floatation only applies when there is no "bottom" in which case yes, airing down and flotation are valuable. I'm talking about bite, which airing down works against. Bite is important when driving on slippery road surfaces where there is a bottom which is most icy/snowy driving situations. In such a case, airing down reduces traction because pounds per square inch are reduced which reduces bite, particularly with winter tires or any tire with many sipes.

[@Voltaic_Fire]

"Snovid" That is adorable.

[@covenant11]

That truck isn't some sort of antique...I mean....It's a good truck and you are really lucky to have it.

[@sunlite9759]

Got one too. 2000 F-250 super cab 7.3 long bed. 130 M miles.

[@pwilliams6405]

As a Australian in glorious hot country :( the only time we get a chance of snow is searching for frozen sausages in the freezer :( I have spent a winter snowy Christmas day in America at Bass Lake and mate what a blast I had ! We put all our beers on a outdoor table with 4 inches of snow on it and push the beers in the snow , found deer prints in the snow, Drove around Bass lake and saw the big house from the movie The Great Outdoors ,it was just white all over :) I am going to be doing a big trip around America as soon as CONVID is finally dead and buried (big scam) I can't wait to do that :)))

[@Weretherussos]

Hope we get to see you on the road when you get here and plenty of snow to enjoy! (we just got a couple inches last night)

[@mikebryant4596]

You survived a very cold night in the pop up camper. Congrats. My wife and I just purchased our 5th camper vehicle, and we are getting her ready for the road. Of course, we won’t be looking to camp in freezing weather but we do want to stay comfortable. Thanks for sharing your adventure.

[@thizizliz]

We used to camp in our pop up tent trailer in Minnesota winters, but not too often. I don't remember whether we had electric blankets but do remember having a BIG propane tank and do know that we didn't do it often. It was MANY years ago because I was a bit younger than you two are now; perhaps late 20s to very early 30s. I'm in awe - that is totally not weather you anticipate in the South for crying out loud. But these days - nothing is 'normal'. Well done. Yeah, it was fun seeing Kait enjoy the winter. Someone earlier mentioned electric heaters and that would have prevented the humidity freezing up your windows but how much do you want to buy for something that's so rare? Cool video - it is cool to see you two making the best of everything.

[@zelenizub2036]

Diesel truck, only logical choice is diesel heater.

[@Gimo76]

Keep a watch on the canvas. We went thru a rain storm. Came home and did not pop it up. Mold the next week. We cleaned it and traded it back in for a nice little fifth wheel. Loved the extra space.

[@Jack-ne8vm]

Be careful - The roof can come down hard with 3" of wet snow on it when you lower it.

[@joefudd]

Probably most of the ice and snow melted off as it isn't insulated much?

[@Jack-ne8vm]

@@joefudd I run my heater before bedtime & about half an hour before I get up. It's too noisy for me to run all night. I have the extra wall insulation - well worth it. I've had accumulations up to 4" of snow. I actually prefer windy snowstorms...Less snow on the roof.

[@louishibbs5133]

I boondocked in sub zero with an old Ford diesel without any plug ins..and used my svea camp stove to heat the oil pan..truck started like a summer day.

[@davidwollpert5276]

Kait’s a keeper! I’ve winter camped in tents before. It’s good if you have a really good sleeping bag. Once though, it was part of a wilderness survival class (don’t ask me why I took the class in the winter, I have no idea!). On that trip we could only take with us what we could fit in a coffee can. It was so cold that most of our cars (that we had hiked away from to sleep for the night) would not start the next morning. These kinds of challenges are fun and help you learn about being prepared. Thanks for the fun video!

[@Weretherussos]

It’s especially helps if you’re in a controlled environment.

[@bill45colt]

if indians and eskimos can do it, then we should have it much easier than they did

[@bigbadjohn2543]

Amazing how many helpful people are around when things get tough.

[@tbare9119]

Oh man. You were about .5 mile from my house at that campground. Glad you guys did alright in that cold!

[@Nic7320]

I found condensation is a huge problem, camping in Oregon. But adding insulation to the inside of windows trapped a lot of moisture on the window surfaces and resulted in mold and mildew. Daily cleaning was a chore, so I opted to put the insulation on the *outside* of the windows. This worked better, because the inside window surfaces are now warmer and not longer below the dew point. The outside surface undoubtedly traps some moisture, but it's outside where it doesn't affect air quality.

[@Scriptorsilentum]

Terrific solution! Thank you for that tip! 😁

[@XSABROH6]

Enjoyed the video. Reminded me when I was in Muskogee, Oklahoma back in 1990. Temps were -10f w/ windchill -40f, the piping hot cocoa, I placed on the hood literally froze while starting my diesel truck. Ugh to glow plugs...

[@maobfh]

I wonder if it would be worth purchasing or making insulated window covers as well as buying a couple of old wool.army blankets, cut to fit the canvas sides that you could clip, hook or snap on the top corners of the camper to further insulate the camper when it is extraordinarily hot or cold that are easily removed and put away when not in use. You might even be able to put the heavy duty hook side of hook and loop like fasteners like Velcro. You could adhere the hook tape to the top edge of the canvas and it will stick to the blanket pieces and hold them in place. It won't be as strong as hooking to the loop side but it should be strong enough to hold the blanket if it is attached to the entire blanket edge. You could go even further to adhere reflectex to the underside of an over sized tarp to spread over the top of the camper roof. It would further insulate the camper but would also cover the solar panels and potentially cause damage to any antennae and other items that are protruding from the camper exterior. This would take up a fair amount of room when stored away but could be kept folded and rolled and attached on the exterior rear of the camper. Just thinking. I would line the interior tent walls with wool blankets when winter camping and it kept the tent quite warm with an enclosed and vented wood burner inside the tent. I come from the old days of canvas tents and tent poles and put grommets in appropriate spots on the blankets. The tent poles were inserted into the grommets and then into the grommets of the tent. I would then attached long lightweight rope at a corner of the tent where the ceiling met the roses and I would stretch the rope firmly around each pole then tie or hook before continuing to the next pole until I had rope tied all the way around the tent at the top of the wall. This rope would hold the wool in place and against the tent wall. It (the wool blanket) could freely hang down the tent walls to the ground. The rope also provided a place to hang any wet garments near the fireplace to dry. You could find other ways to attach the blankets to each tent wall but any space uncovered such as seams was a heat escape. Doing this (attaching to the tent walls) would possibly add extra weight to the tent walls potentially causing tears along the seams as well as causing the tent to collapse. My method put the stress on the poles, which were hard wood and metal and much stronger than the aluminum poles of today so they could handle the extra weight. Strapping the rope around the poles and then grommets at the top of the poles evenly distributed the weight on all of the poles combined, except the center pole reducing the risk of collapse. . The center pole took all of the weight of the blankets as they all met at that pole. My pole was 2 inches thick, solid wood which could support that kind of weight but you would have to add additional wool lining at the rope line for bigger rectangular tents. Add a stove pipe vent to the appropriate blanket, S hooks for mugs and a teapot always filled on the stove made for very cozy tents and if I had figured out how to bathe without creating mud at the tent, I could have stayed longer periods. Anyway, I have enjoyed this trip down memory lane but I am weary of typing and I suspect you are sick of reading. Sorry about my verbosity but maybe someone will find the information useful. If anyone has a source for old military blankets, I am having a harder time finding them and would appreciate the help. Take care! Rebecca

[@maxineoliver7404]

Boy am I glad you guys survived that frigid weather and had access of getting propane!🌬🌡❄⛄🔥

[@graybeard1952]

12/24/2017. I was camping at an RV park in Moran WY. That morning it was -20 degrees. At the time I was truck bed camping. I had a 1500 watt ceramic heater and an electric blanket. Did a snowmobile tour of Yellowstone that day. I did suffer from some minor frostbite on my toes. I can still count to 20 with my boots off so no permanent damage...

[@jasonwitters7860]

From Wisconsin.-12 is hardcore. Glad you made it. Welcome to the Midwest.

[@Weretherussos]

I’ll take it!

[@danieltaylor3396]

Electric heater delivers drier heat than propane furnace. There are lithium batteries that have built in heaters. A snow rake for clearing snow off the roof is essential for a popup camper. There are automatic propane tank switchover valves for dual tank systems because a propane tank always goes empty in the middle of the night.

[@mikedean8061]

Here I am sitting in Florida and cold now watching this. Just made a cup of coffee...LOL

[@jennycraigadventures3314]

Same, but from Maui 😁

[@lindaterrell5535]

Hello,there I’m Florida. I’m sitting in the other part of Florida. Sipping hot chocolate. Cuz . . .

[@williamjones4483]

An idea for all around power source would be to a good used Carrier Proheat auxiliary power unit. These units typically are mounted to a semi truck's frame rails with bolts and clamps. Perhaps that could be adapted for this truck. These units supply 12 volts d.c. for charging, 110 volts a.c. for so called hotel or shore loads. They are also water cooled and can be tied into the truck's cooling system to keep it warm. Last but not least they use a Kubota 3 cylinder diesel engine that consumes very little fuel for extended periods. The main concern here would be to keep the diesel fuel from gelling.

[@Scriptorsilentum]

ThermoKings, Rigmasters, DynaSys's. They're incredible. Also, when they use the truck's coolant they tend to help provide a warmer engine start to the tractor. Most are two-cylindered. I used mine to provide heat/ac. turned it down to use the microwave for cooking. It also would simultaneously bleed enough power to keep the truck's 24v batteries charged for starting. Some guys will also run an extension from the AC plug to the truck's oil pan heater. One of the best things to ever happen to a truck. I think in larger diesel-powered rv's you can use them. They can be up to three hundred lbs, though.

[@CYOAMTB]

Glad to see how well the camper did during the extreme cold temperatures. When you mentioned that you lowered one side of the roof down to help inside warm up easier another benefit from doing that was possibly preventing snow and ice build up on the roof due to temperature difference from inside vs outside. Bottle of wine 🍷sounds perfect for situations like that. Safe travels.

[@Weretherussos]

The roof can hold up to 1000lbs of snow so that wasn’t a concern. The wine was nice 🍷

[@strollingthecity]

My favourite part of the year is the snow

[@keithandwiadventures]

Guys this was a great video showing what few people have done...camped in -12F! Wow! We really felt sorry for you Joe getting up to change the propane in the middle of the night at something like a Billion Below Zero! The music at that point was Perfect! Thank you so much for the shoutout! Hope to see you guys sometime in the near future!

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks you two!

[@jameshaines789]

Always have your “act” together… In 2017 we left in November from South Dakota in the middle of November… 1999 Ford F-150 towing a 20 ft Winnebago travel trailer.

[@stanthrasher4815]

I spent 3 days in MS in a kenworth at a truck stop . I got some much needed sleep time. Glad you guys enjoyed it!

[@Scriptorsilentum]

gotta love them diesel APU's and Webastos! 😁😁

[@RadDadisRad]

I camped in a gasser 4wd van. I loved it. 2 high output alternators, 2 high output lead acid batteries a 10kw inverter and 7.5kw generator. 38 gallon extended range gas tank. 100A transfer switch with 100A 120/240 distribution panel with a 100A/50A 120/240V shore power plug or 20A/30A 120V shore power plug.

[@1down4up78]

Good effort guys. I live in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. I tried putting my tent up on the ice last winter, -36 degrees C and everything was hard. Sun was coming down and the last minute I bugged out. Not easy on a big lake with 25mph winds in now -38 degrees. Long story short it got down to -46 overnight, I went to my back garden in the morning and tried my truck…dead! Listen to you instincts and know when to leave. The loading, travelling, unloading, setting up, packing up and driving home was 10 hours of hardness. The only thing I took away was knowledge on what not to do and what I could do better next time. My 10oz winter tent with my MR Buddy struggled for the first time, this forced me to get my stove going early and then I knew my wood pile was most likely not going to see me through. My chainsaw didn’t want to work either. Coldest temps I’ve ever been in was -53 degrees C.

[@SuperBajafresh]

what a story. wow. funny but the things we go through to try and have fun.

[@oxbow8964]

Had to start my 7.3 at -40 a couple weeks ago. Block heater and put a propane torch inside a stove pipe under the oil pan for a couple hours and it started. Stay warm down there

[@Weretherussos]

Takes a bit to get these old girls going in the morning

[@markjohnson3088]

In my 49 years of living in North Dakota I have never heard of lowering air pressure in tires to drive on snow. It’s snow and ice, not sand. It’s just not necessary.

[@randybird9979]

you are correct traction is less when you lower tire pressure

[@Dsrt_Rat]

For heavy vehicles I wouldn't recommend it. But as a jeep owner, lowering tire pressure to around 3 psi is beneficial. The jeep is so light the wider print allows you to float on top of the snow instead of sinking all the way down. Just make sure you have a way to fill back up.

[@markjohnson3088]

Nope....not on roads like that. If it was deeper than the clearance of the truck maybe....clearly that wasn't

[@stevederjones7340]

I love winter camping. No matter what I camp in . Tent, RV , or pop up camper. Of course I have heaters and good sleeping bags. I also know what it’s like to wake up cold . In a tent if let the fire go out it gets cold fast . So to remedy that I take a Little Buddy heater and a one pound cylinder. You would be surprised about how a tiny heater will heat up a tent. Small wood burner does a better job🤨😁

[@lenalyles2712]

We've stayed there several times when we came up to South Missouri.

[@Toms3rdNut]

I live and travel in an 82 e350. It never leaves me stranded. You have one of the best year diesels. It's not old haha.

[@Sinn3r22]

Kate is just adorable. Love her energy! 🤗🙌🏾

[@jimquantic]

Our 4wheel has no heat, and we did the same thing with temps FAR below the freeze point. How was it? Terrible, but remember if you are in a good sleeping bag, wearing a stocking cap of wool, you are fine. In the morning--no one wanted to be the one to get up and get the engine started--so I finally did, and drove the short distance from our camp to a country restaurant, so close we did not even need to take the top down. Internal heaters make the all the difference, if you want to have a comfortable morning of course, but you will survive just fine with proper sleeping equipment--we had a thick pad, a good bag and always cover your head.

[@kathleenh3975]

My first thought was, "Why are they in Wyoming or Montana this time of year?" Texas? Now I finally understand what happened there.

[@Weretherussos]

Missouri

[@guillermomaguire5394]

@@Weretherussos Texas was just like that. The highways in an area I drove were like what you videoed...essentially clear due to wind and so cold. That was really good info, though, on the cold and pop ups. Thanks

[@crystalyj30]

It was -2 here in Dallas. That was unheard of. We don't get that type of weather down here.

[@brandongarrett1627]

I figured you guys were Springfield, Missouri because the sign over the interstate said Joplin, Missouri.

[@EPcleaner]

I camp in the winter in an Alu Cab camper and use a diesel heater! No condensation and 100% efficient unlike propane.

[@Weretherussos]

Well we don’t get condensation from our heater either...

[@Scrambler85]

These are the reasons I installed a mini split AC/heat pump and a Propex propane heater and a 29 gallon propane tank.

[@kululv]

your heat pump will not creat any heat in those conditions!

[@omarwilliams6729]

@@kululv According to who? Do you know anything about Physics pal?

[@kululv]

@@omarwilliams6729 unlike you, I do. At that temp, there is no efficiency anymore, your heat pump becomes an electric heater

[@omarwilliams6729]

@@kululv If you were humble I would have educated you.

[@kululv]

@@omarwilliams6729 i thought the same.. quote from a heat pump guide: "Even at 25 degrees, your heat pump will still run. The issue at this temperature is that the system will require more energy as it runs because there isn’t enough heat energy in the outdoor air for the heat pump to use in heating your interiors" now believe what you want...

[@chiranjeevit488]

He can never beat mav

[@nothsim]

Ever thought about installing Velcro strips on the roof and putting a second layer along the soft sides? Maybe a thin wool blanket

[@blainclatworthy5423]

I can relate, I have changed Gas Cylinders in -30C Winter weather for my work in Ontario Canada.

[@marthajmm6244]

You did fine in really cold temps without much experience of the cold, it seems. As a northerner, I say layer up! Carry packable down jackets (UNIQLO has cheap but decent ones), some good merino long underwear (bottoms and tops), and wool socks. Make sure you have warm winter hats, and wear them along with the merino underwear to stay toasty as you sleep! All this is normal life in the far north; clearly even Texas can't count on not getting bitter cold temperatures now and then. Prepare for it, then embrace it and enjoy it! (Also there are tons of Canadian, Alaskan, Minnesotan, and other northern vanlifers and campers who camp in all kinds of vehicles in the winter. Check out Foresty Forest, who spent last winter in the Northwest Territories and the Yukon, or Slim Potatohead's accounts of winter camping in his old Aliner, or Mav, who heads out ice fishing, boondocking in his truck topper.)

[@orwellknew9112]

Sure you can. I’ve slept in my converted window van in -43° weather. A pop top camper would be a big upgrade from that home conversion van.

[@jerrycornelius3397]

It's all part of the wonderful adventure... better than sitting in a house, on the couch, doing "not much". We are in Virginia, brought our LTV home today to wash it and just sit in it and talk about spring on the way, getting plans to "roll" again. Take it back to the storage shelter tomorrow, but today was a really fun day. We really enjoy being a part of your adventures... stay safe!

[@lrobie123]

likely the only video on youtube that talks about surviving winter in a popup camper. Definitely not a good time to boondocking in that cold weather. Best to be at RV park near propane tank service. Nice that you mentioned how well the batteries were handling the cold. So true about the hardshell camper and the cold. The Canadiand truck camper manufacturers know well about designing the hardshell for cold temps. minus temps in the winter in Canada are the norm

[@Weretherussos]

Thank you and you're completely right. I would say we'd probably be limited to 2-3 days of boondocking in this type of weather but we'd want to be closer to civilization if something did go wrong.

[@Jollyprez]

Our 5'x10' cargo trailer conversion had to weather -25F in northern New Hampshire for a semester as an impromptu dorm room. Worked great with a diesel cab heater.

[@jamesalexander7540]

Okay, I can not imagine not having double or triple pane windows.

[@drozone3658]

Triple is a way to scam wealthy ignorant people do not waste your money. The gas you use on triple pane evaporates very fast

[@jamesalexander7540]

@@drozone3658 whether or not the windows are sealed with a gas inside does not depend upon the number of panes. Triple pane windows have been used in recording studios for close to a century. In that case, sound transmission is the problem. Either a double pane or triple pane window that is properly sealed will mitigate the transmission of heat in and out of the vehicle. I just prefer a second air barrier.

[@jeffl8565]

I am from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and I did live in Springfield Missouri. You guys should try a U.P. winter if you really want to see winter. I'm sorry it's kinda funny. Not being rude, just hope you guys explore what it is like for people who have figured out what real winter is like.

[@Hallnadventure]

I give you two credit for embracing the winter weather. It is all relative, to someone that hasn’t experienced that kind of weather. That’s cold. I purchased my Four Wheel Camper Hawk model 1 year ago. It was a bit cold up here in Minnesota 2 1/2 weeks ago. I camp in my FWC 13-15 days a months. Well headed up north Minnesota the week of February 15th to disperse camp. Two nights of -30F and 4 nights of -9. It is s learned process. I have the factory propane heater, I also did utilize a small electric heater powered by my Yamaha generator, it does help to have 2 sources of heat in extreme temperatures. There’s a story to the week, saw more wolves then people for about 4 days. Thanks for your adventures, I owned 2 different F-350 diesels in the mid 2000s, so I like to hear your diesel fire up. I’m running a 2018 F-150 Ecoboost with my FWC. Safe travels to ya.

[@sunlite9759]

I was a camped at Camp Hale Co. compliments of the US Army before shipped out to Korea. Wore skis; the whole bit. Sleepted in 'snow caves and drove snow cat tractors with Studebaker engines. Now 88. Some things you don't forget.

[@jobenmenachem2269]

With so much snow on the roads .... I can understand why you and Kate have chosen a high vehicle. Excellent video that covers a lot of the winter issies in a campervan. many thanks :) It is always a good idea to have an electric heater to be used in campgrounds in case of a very cold weather.

[@DaveK84]

You could purchase a battery heating mat that will work with 12v, would heat the batteries while your driving to make sure they are warm enough for the bms to accept a charge. Probably not worth the effort if you won't be below zero too often, closing the vents and opening some up into the interior of the camper would probably also help a lot. I would also put an extra piece of foam insulation toward the outside wall, if you can fit it.

[@NewAgeDIY]

Welcome to our club: Timmins, Ontario -23 °C Timmins is the hometown of quite a few famous people, including one of the world’s richest singers, Shania Twain. It’s also become a popular snowmobiling destination. The lowest temperature recorded here was -44.2 °C and in January, the coldest month, the average low is -23 °C. ( -12F. = 24 C )

[@bobw9297]

YA EH

[@marcpikas2859]

Do you winter camp up there? What kind of RV do you use?

[@bobw9297]

@@marcpikas2859 20 foot trailer but its mostly the cold gear that make it all good ,

[@bobw9297]

we also have Finn tach Alaska pro winter set , i was out yesterday -20c plus the wind with just a long sleeve t shirt and the suit on and I was fine

[@joshuacurley417]

I know how you feel! I'm in Alberta and we had a two week stretch of -45 (air temp), -50 (wind chill). I couldn't imagine camping in that shit.

[@mjl9702]

you can buy a magnetic heater that goes on your oil Pan and plugs in like your frost plug heater to warm up your oil. Live in MN, they work great!

[@miscellaneousHandle]

we enjoy winter camping very much. as long as you're prepared for it it's enjoyable to be snug as a bug in a rug in your camper!

[@carriefeguer4028]

Some people use campstove to heat there campers in the super cold.We had to live in our RV years ago because we lost our home and we used a Kerosene heater and cracked the windows for ventilation,but I wouldn't suggest that .The little buddy is good too.Or sleep in the truck cab turning it on and off occasionally. Our dogs kept us really warm and toasty too.

[@KHawkins59]

Enjoyed this [COLD] day in the life of video! Way to persevere and still enjoy your time.

[@Weretherussos]

Thanks Kathy!

[@elliothagen9874]

Having an electric blanket is a good idea. Electric heater is another good idea for just in case. Plugging in the engine very smart. Another thing is keep a piece of cardboard to blanket the radiator

[@nonyobizness7307]

Never reduce tire pressure for snowy conditions! Loose sand, thick mud, large boulders? Sure. But reinflate as soon as you hit tarmac and always maintain your tires at full pressure on roads.

[@mechanicsteve2320]

I cringed when he said he had aired down his tires for the snow. He gave up traction doing that and the truck would be more likely to slide.

[@gonesideways6621]

@@mechanicsteve2320 Sounds like you all haven't driven on sand at beach first thing you do is let air pressure down to 20 psi.

[@mechanicsteve2320]

@@gonesideways6621 In fact I have driven on sand and yes you air down for sand but in snow you do not air down. Snow is a whole different animal from driving in sand or mud.

[@MrChadx1]

@@gonesideways6621 Hi Larry, you do not air down for snow and ice. The tire sipes and treads can't do their work. For sand, rocks, etc. yes. But never of snow. Aired down tires reduce your traction in snow and ice.

[@frenchfryfarmer436]

@@MrChadx1 SUCH true words. Snow isnt sand. . Thats for sure. Can't tell folks sometimes...no matter how true.

[@JoeRyMi]

It’s shockingly comfortable. Obviously preparation is extremely important and understanding what can and cannot be used in a confined setting.

[@francowj]

Here I am thinking it's too cold to go camping in the CA mountains. I'm packing up and heading out tomorrow even if it's just for a night.

[@Weretherussos]

Yeah this was on a different level

[@bornagainluis]

San gorgonio mountain ⛰ here socal-20 at night

[@roberta4989]

First time here. Was interesting and informative. I am retired and I am planning a great deal of winter camping. I made some notes for myself; Get large propane tanks, carry a spare. Don't use Home Depot orange extension cord, use the good yellow one - 12/2 50 footer. Make sure battery area has correct ventilation for both hot and cold temperatures. Make sure I have a way to bypass water tank and go directly from shore water to trailer system and add effective insulation. Add wine storage wherever possible.

[@Weretherussos]

Just note you don’t need vent for lithium batteries.

[@deney54]

That's why we have RVs so we can move to were it's warmer... Yep

[@wesleymoore1765]

Block heater only keeps the block warm and alllows the cylinders to be at a more stable temp for starting. If you want your oil to be warm then you need to get an oil pan heater.

[@jrockett11]

Hey Guy's: The following is a true store and after watching your experience winter camping I need to share this with you.Back in 1977 I had a IH Scout Terra (118" W.B.) and found this Company that made a attached camper for it that's right you guessed it that Co. was Four Wheel Pop-Up Campers. At that time there H.Q. was in Denver Co. so I took a couple of week off and drove out and had them install since it was a pretty new concept back then. Well I had fun with for rest of the summer then winter came. I lived in Ft. Wayne, In at the time and in the winter time the big pass time changed from racing MX in the simmer to riding snowmobiles in the winter. Well the gang would do a winter snowmobile trip to the upper peninsula of Michigan so while the rest of the guys rented a motorhome to stay in I said I was set with my really cool new pop up camper and I was good to go! Well you guys after watching your little experience let me tell you what I went through I would not wish that on my worst enemy. When we got to our destination ( Houghton Lake Michigan ) it was around 6 deg. with an over night temp around -15 deg. Well let me tell you you think you where cold.....I had the furnace wide open, I had my snowmobile suite on and we where still cold all night. So for the balance of the trip old John here really took it hard from the rest of the guys and on top of that they wouldn't let me stay in the motor home with them, it was a rough bunch of guys. I had the little 20 gal of propane and went through six of them for the balance of the trip. Thought you might get a chuckle from that story after what you went through. Sorry this was so long enjoy you future winter trips!

[@cynthiatyler1606]

Been there and done this in south east Texas with 0 degrees temps. Frozen everywhere plus dogs. Lol. Prept and prepared. Did great.

[@scottgordon600]

I'm picturing Jeff Bezos throwing stacks of hundred dollar bills in his fireplace to keep warm.

[@cjjenson8212]

that cheapskate? if it was money he only had to burn, it would only be 1$ bills and only 2 per hour!

[@carguy0389]

@@cjjenson8212 you do realize the dude is worth like 170 billion right?

[@jeffhoward9186]

Great idea with the roof. Not only will it help with the heating, but also it will help remove the snow weight off your roof.

[@SamuelJMartinIII]

13:27 1st time I heard SNOWVID-2021 ❄️ 🥶 & being from Chicago, IL I’ve heard them all before❗️😉

[@Weretherussos]

You’re welcome to steal it

[@johnbradley5236]

Being from WI we just call this another day in the garage.

[@thomashindle3570]

Tom from Quebec Canada 1 - Buy a trailer 2 - make a compost heater 3 - put some pipes together and a fan and you will have heat 4 - put the compost on top of pipes Fresh horse ship and wood chips 5 - put some pipes under your truck Closed off the bottom of your truck to keep the heat in . Compost will go up to 140 f Just think

[@dufferdude1205]

You can tell how cold it is by the crunch sound of the snow. It was one of my least favorite sensations when I was on the ICE (Antarctic) There was something about it I hated.

[@gloriawelch3603]

It must not be to cold for them. They leave the door open.

[@sirich7751]

I never experienced that type of extreme cold but I always loved the crunchy snow in cold weather. Felt soothing! Lol.

[@hey_youtubeim_back2159]

I know I'm late to the game but here are a few things one can do to make cold starting easier. #1 add a fuel filter heater. Cold diesel does not like to burn. #2 add stanedyne performance fuel additive. I've used it in cold weather with a notable cold weather starting improvent. #3 in desperate situations keep a heat gun handy. You can pull the air cleaner and run the heat gun directly into the intake. I've tried/used all three with success. Your Ford has an intake glow plug used for heating the intake air. I think it was more of an environmental feel good approach but whatever. Hope this helps

[@Mybeardog]

I watched when you first built your rig. So glad your enjoying it so much. Been married for 44 years. I can tell you are best friends like us. Lol

[@Weretherussos]

Right on!

[@philipholman1713]

Next time out in the frost, maybe get some of the silver bubble wrap for duct work , get a roll of Velcro and put sheets of the insulation up on the inside. It's only about 3/8" but has incredible R value. You can even paint the inside so you don't feel like you are in a jiffy pop popcorn dish