Winter Camping with Cold Weather Tips

This week I headed out to Mille Lacs Kathio State Park. I go over some tips for cold weather winter truck camping. I don't know everything when it comes to winter camping. But I have lived in northern Minnesota my entire life and have been camping in -40 degree temperatures ever since I was a kid. I go over some questions that you guys have asked in the comments, definitely keep the questions coming. I really want to thank Aaron, a viewer I met while out camping. He gifted me an awesome tool for my camping adventures. I also want to thank all the people that have donated to the channel, everything helps! I'll see you all again down the road.

[@ToddNelson-vg9uq]

God bless you brother. I'm a 56 yo man and me and my children enjoy watching you and your videos day and night due to your highest morals. We are with you brother. Thank you so much for your sacrifices. May God bless you richly.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I appreciate that.

[@michaeltaylor4984]

Coffee. Without it, the day doesn't start.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

The best part of waking up!

[@Gerald-i6w]

I bought a lot closer to the lake and next spring our family will be permanent residents of the Mille lacs lake community 🎉🎉🎉😊

[@edwardboyer7102]

The electric bike is absolutely awesome

[@mjl9702]

Best part about winter camping: No Bugs!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

So true 👍

[@danieldoherty7920]

Kenny you are a success story. What you put out there comes back to you.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thank you, that is awesome to hear. I appreciate it!

[@mandib757]

Great video! I love Tuesday’s! Your channel is really taking off, I’m really proud of you. Keep up the good hard work…

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks babe. I appreciate all your support!

[@susanhill9166]

Hi Kenny, you like coffee like me only have two cups of it, one when I wake up and one to keep me warm b4 I go to bed. With coffee always have a tin of evaporated milk in a tin yummy. I live on a widebeam on the Grand Union Canal, basically sleep 💤💤💤💤 in water and sometimes that freezes always good to have something hot in your tummy, when freezing 🥶🥶🥶 cold. Great 😃👍👍 video.

[@beacee]

Your videos are as soothing as Sunday mornings!❤ Always look forward to them.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

That was an awesome comment. I love it!

[@mileswindham8336]

Hello Kenny, just love your videos. Something I’ve found quite useful for fire starters is placing 15 to 20 cheap cotton balls in a large prescription bottle then fill with cheap rubbing alcohol . Comes time to start my fire I place about two to three alcohol soaked cotton balls on my kindling and light. Amazing how long each cotton ball will burn.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

That's an awesome tip. I'm going to use that for sure.

[@Oldrush]

Cotton ball and Vaseline works great too.

[@dennyj8650]

@@Oldrush Going to use that tip!

[@Oldrush]

@@dennyj8650 It was something taught during hunters safety course as part of an emergency survival kit to have at all times. I use this method all the time. 1/4 cotton ball will burn for a few minutes.

[@missingremote4388]

​@@Oldrush smart techniques

[@judithgrantham9039]

I truly enjoy watching true life videos. Great entertainment & educational! Plus I love watching the dogs..Toby & Ellie on Tiny Cabin Life! Thank you for posting. 😊

[@Rfdangle30117]

Kenny; as someone used to take kids tent camping, and is familiar with Minnesota, I love you channel. It’s got great, clean content! It is also informative. Keep up the great work! Robert Dangle, Carrollton, GA.

[@lynncleveland3323]

Thanks!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks for the support Lynn! It is really appreciated

[@lynncleveland3323]

@@KennyOfAllTrades Your welcome

[@patrickbreck8907]

Hope to meet you on the trailer someday!!! Thanks again for a great destination. Pat and Gina

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Patrick and Gina, thank you so much for your generosity! It is very much appreciated.

[@ricklenser3323]

So when will we see some merch that says "Be Kind, Be Honest & We'll See You Down The Road"?

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I doubt that's gonna happen any time soon. Lol I'm just enjoying making videos for now.

[@SquarebodyTruckCamper]

I feel like neighbors in a campground that are also camping in March in MN may not be full of rift raft haha. I’m glad you found your first viewer that recognized you. It’s almost unbelievable at first, but then usually turns out to be great people that are genuinely interested in your content. Keep up the great work!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks Jay!

[@youngblood2]

I like it when you walk out in the woods in the pitch black of night, and start telling Bigfoot stories, and how you feel like somebody is watching you. 😮

[@richardkoch8752]

Kenny, Tuesday has become my favorite day of the week......I get to go camping! Another good video Kenny! Really enjoyed it. Ron Nash really knew how to design a good camper. Arctic Fox, Nash, O.R.V's are just hard to beat. A Nash 17K has always been a dream of mine.You have done and do put a lot of work renovating and keeping up your camper. Love the big tires on your new bike.....made for the trails & timber. Those mesh bags are great also for storing potatoes and onions. That steak looked great....the Folgers really smelled good! Next weeks firewood is on me Kenny!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks Richard! I agree on the campers. These older ones are built really well. Those are some great uses for the mesh bags. I'll definitely be keeping them!

[@bryanswanson638]

Hello Kenny - I can see and feel your inner spirt being lifted by all your viewers and your channel. Obviously, it takes years to beat down the years of LE and being Public Safety. You look happy - keep the faith!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks Bryan, that means a lot to me!

[@ClarkyMalarky]

My day is brighter when the video says uploaded 1hr ago… always teased by previous videos I’ve already seen

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks

[@dfruscella3]

I love all your videos beautiful rig and it's roomy. Yeah I don't like being around people either too much noise. So relaxing watching your videos after coming home from work

[@timashworth3794]

Kenny 🎉Awesome🎉 video thanks man! You are such a nice likable guy It’s almost the weekend. Be safe camping this weekend. Can’t wait to see your next video. Thanks again.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks Tim. I'm still think about where I'm going on Saturday. We are supposed to get snow, so it should be fun.

[@rose2525bud]

Cozy! ❄️🤩❄️

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks!

[@roadwarrior-fy4kw]

Your videos have been an inspiration to me going ahead and getting a truck and camper myself. Some of the best information I found while deciding was your channel. Thank you. Keep the great videos coming, and can’t wait to hit the road of adventures myself

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

That is awesome. I hope you enjoy the camper!

[@worklessenjoylifemore]

Love this video Kenny!! Good job bro 👍

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks Larry!

[@vanessa9763]

I’ve been pushing people away for a while now and I’m just starting to get out of that mode. It’s nice having people around that you have something in common with.

[@debranagrocki4952]

I love how clean you are Kenny. Also how you pick up other peoples garbage in campsites. I’m a native of Florida and I pick up the beaches. Who raised these people that trash our beautiful planet

[@lisainthecold4287]

Found ur videos a few months ago and have more to catch up on but what I’ve seen I’ve loved so far! They are so relaxing and entertaining and I really love ur little cooking segments! Great stuff Kenny! Wish ur girl would be on camera more but I get her wanting privacy. Keep on doing your thing and loving the outdoors! ❤️🚍

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks Lisa! I appreciate your kind words of encouragement.

[@toddramsay977]

This is in the top 3 videos you have done! Excellent! Really enjoyed it. I watched it twice.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

That's awesome to hear! I'm glad you liked it. I was in a good mood, and I think it shined through on video.

[@stevenannett1739]

Another cool video sir!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks Steve

[@roycefiles]

Another great weekend with you. Thanks for bringing us along!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks Roycefiles

[@thewheelchairprepper8070]

NICE 🥶👍👍👍👍👍

[@ellwoodaherns3355]

kenny,, like your videos, another minnesotan here...

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Very cool Ellwood, maybe I'll see you around some day. Thanks for checking out the videos!

[@Powerstroke431]

I'd imagine the most cost effective way to keep the camper warm and water lines from freezing would be to use a diesel heater and either run some of the heat to where the lines are or have a few small computer fans set up to blow the warm cabin air into the spaces that need to stay above freezing. A small diesel heater on low will go through a gallon of fuel in 2-4 days which isn't all that costly and the batteries can possibly stay topped up with solar or keep the camper plugged in to shore power. That's my plan for this winter season, but there's for sure going to be a learning curve lol.

[@coltwinchester6124]

I grew up in Minnesota near Rochester. The only thing I miss is the Lakes. Now live in the warm free State of Texas. Wouldn't live anywhere else.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I hear you! Thankfully, up in the land of rocks and cows, Minnesota still feels like home. I will say the older I get, the more I'm getting fed up with the cold. Thankfully, we do have an awesome fall season.......it only lasts about three days....but it is awesome!

[@coltwinchester6124]

@@KennyOfAllTrades been in the low 80's here lately. Almost summer to you. A cold day is 50°.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

That sounds awesome right now!

[@coltwinchester6124]

@@KennyOfAllTrades I was cleaning my truck camper today and had to turn the AC ON. Also great motorcycle weather. Many motorcycle rallies going on here in Texas right now.

[@edwardmathews9546]

Great, nice quiet, peaceful weekend. P.S. gotta mention that great steak !👍🥩

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks for watching!

[@coryrouse969]

Awesome Ken, your a good person, letting one of your viewers ride your bike, just amazing also great video.

[@Badass_Rooster]

That is a beautiful prank visit there often

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I bet in the fall it is stunning. Unfortunately, the fire tower was closed for winter. It would have been awesome to get a night lapse up there.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Looks like you had a pleasant time. That is what caping is all about.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

It was really nice. Thanks for checking back in this week. I appreciate you watching!

[@barythompson4781]

Another great video Kenny, you like your steaks the same way I like mine. Salt, pepper and a touch of garlic! I let mine sit out for an hour or two after seasoning and before cooking. Wish I could get out as much as you but watching your videos makes me feel like I am getting out. Be kind, be honest and we’ll see ya down the road!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks Bary. I'm glad you enjoy going on these adventures with me!

[@TinyCabinLife]

Awesome video as always Kenny 👌🏽

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks! Get ready for more snow! Thankfully, it looks like it's gonna be south of us.

[@TinyCabinLife]

@@KennyOfAllTrades Totally! I’m going to be in the cabin Thursday - Friday morning. Can’t wait!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Awesome, it's supposed to snow Thrusday night and then sun Friday morning up here. It should be a beautiful opportunity to make a video.

[@allenmccarriston5834]

It's always entertaining and enjoyable watching your videos. Thank you for sharing!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks Allen I appreciate you watching.

[@katienkids6464]

Love the videos! Love the thought of winter camping. Kids want to do tent and hot stove. But I see these videos and think this is perfect winter camping for me!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I love my old truck camper. It's like im driving out in nature with a small apartment in the bed of my truck. I've been in -35 degree weather and still feel cozy and safe in the truck camper. I also like that it takes no time to set up and get back on the road.

[@priscillawarren9979]

Southerner here appreciating your videos.

[@ReneVandyk]

Hi Kenny what Awesome Beautiful Amazing Gorgeous Scenery 😊

[@judymohney7919]

Love you sharing your camping adventures, & look forward to each video (in Florida)

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks!

[@TheEdelKampers]

Hi Kenny, We are so glad that you have had a good week and have been meeting such nice people along the way. You have an amazing channel and great group of subscribers. Those are some really great tips for winter camping and taking care of your TC. Fred loved the cheesy cauliflower bake. I am going to try and make little fried cauliflower cakes out of the last of the left overs to go with our breakfast tomorrow. Enjoyed the video. Have a great week and see you next Tuesday. Mary 💕 Fred

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

That's awesome. I glad to hear you guys enjoyed the dish. I thought it got better every day.

[@TheEdelKampers]

@@KennyOfAllTrades We agree that it got better everyday for sure.

[@dennyj8650]

Paying attention - almost as cold here in WI - we get your weather when it gets done with you! That steak made me hungry, LOL.

[@tyrone-tydavis5858]

Great video and great practical tips. Let me give you one for your steak that I learned from a tennis buddy who is a chef at a restaurant where dinner for you and your bride will cost you $1,000+. Just before you put it on the grill, hopefully as close to normal room temperature as possible, press it between paper towels, wash clothes, etc., to try to get out every bit of moisture you can. You can also do this by leaving it in the refrigerator uncovered for several days but the squeezing trick is just quicker. This looks like you've made a mistake because immediately afterwards the steak will be half as thick as it was originally. Don't worry, during the cooking process the thickness comes back right away. It sounds counterintuitive but this will actually make your steak more tender and juicier. The moisture you're getting out is not fat. It is water typically pumped into most cuts of meat during processing to add weight. That water turns to steam as the steak is cooking and makes the meat tough. While your steak obviously wasn't tough, removing the moisture can literally make it so tender it can be cut with a fork. Cuts such as filet mignon almost flake apart. This also allows you to buy less expensive cuts of meat that will still be tender when you cook them. Meats you buy in a butcher shop are less likely to need this. Notice they are in the cooler uncovered which is already drying them out. Meat that you buy at chain stires wrapped in cellophane with the maxi pad underneath absolutely require this.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

That is great information. I'm definitely going to do that next time.

[@randylester1219]

Outstanding video 👍. Once I get mine built (truck camper), I'm going to have to let you teach me ice fishing 🎣, and I'll meet you in NM or AZ and show you how I prospect for gold. That steak 🥩 looked great 👍. Can't wait until next Tuesday.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Sounds like a deal Randy!

[@trekfortruth2841]

Just found your channel this week when researching suspension upgrades for my truck camper rig (picking up some felling wedges at Tractor Supply in a few days). I am semi retired and travel full-time in my FWC pop-up camper. Really enjoy your videos...well made with lots of useful info. Happy to be a new subscriber.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks, that is awesome to hear. Safe travels out on the roads!

[@trekfortruth2841]

@@KennyOfAllTrades you as well!

[@jimmywood7817]

Awesome as always. That steak looked like one you might have seen on the Flintstones if it had a handle!! Lol. Thanks again

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks Jimmy. Maybe in the next video, I will do a giant tomahawk steak over the coals!

[@jimmywood7817]

Your channel is great 👍

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks Jimmy

[@SEA-U2]

Your Editing is Awesome 👌So Happy For You That Someone in a Campground Recognized You Awesome 😊

[@lawrence7065]

I always keep the bedroom window cracked to allow fresh air in. It also keeps you from getting that clammy feeling by keeping C02 level down.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Very true Lawrence.

[@12pawsinn]

Heres a suggestion kenny. Use that rv pink fluid to use the toliet, keep 1/4 gallon in the tank and everytime you use the toliet, use the rv fluid to dump it. Ive never had a problem living in my motorhome in Saskatchewan all winter. Also you could look at getting a diesel heater, i got 2 and an insulated 24-gallon fuel tank. -65 it was +21c 72 f inside.

[@Hneimeic]

Thank you ! Absolutely love the content and I hope it pays of much appreciate you!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thank you for watching!

[@steveleavesnoadventurebehi4349]

Well good morning Kenny, very beautiful wonderful video. I love it. That winter camping like that just looks so relaxing keep up the good videos and keep them coming.

[@tonymignone3904]

Have watched from the beginning look farward to Tuesday night if u ever come east let me know I could show u some cool spots in my neck of the woods

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

That would be awesome! One day I hope to have more time to travel.

[@elliothagen9874]

Read in 1 of outdoor magazine Open the curtains in the morning. It helps warm up the rooms. Close them @ helps with the heat. The last 2 years on the road. I've used an electric blanket. 1 of sleeping bags is poncho liner. I also se a sleeping bag liner @ times. I idle the truck. To keep the heater going. I also crack a window for ventilation. Becaus the truck heat will chase you out of the vehicle

[@kenknowles2120]

Great video, Kenny. I am sure it's a ton of work making them, but sure do appreciate watching them. Bye the way, that steak did look perfect.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks Ken!

[@mikegupguthrie-futurenomad7866]

Man, you did it again…another splendid weekend adventure! Glad to see your channel is taking off, you deserve it man…one of the nicest guys out here on YT (along with Vic and Larry of course)! Speaking of Larry, pretty sweet you gotta text from him while filming! Btw-is Mandi ever gonna get her e-bike back?! 😝 Oh yeah, happy to see your steak didn’t end up in the coals 😂 Is it next Tuesday yet? 🤔 As always, stay safe out there…..

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks Mike!

[@mandib757]

I agree Mike! 🚲

[@janpiper3068]

I really like the steps on your truck camper, I'm building out a boxtruck and I need some steps like that.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

They are really nice. They are manufactured by Torklift. They are built real well. I weigh close to 300 pounds, and they hold me with no problems.

[@kathyyoung9729]

Hi Kenny. That was so nice when you let your fan ride your e-bike. Thanks so much for all of the tips. Mmmm that steak looks yummy! May I have a bite? Lol is the slide custom made or did it come with the camper?

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Hay Kathy, thanks for watching! The camper came with a slide. It's an older 2004 Arctic Fox model M860. They stopped production of this camper around 2005. It is Arctic Fox last wood framed construction camper.

[@leonmurphey3968]

I really enjoy watching your video adventures thanks for sharing 😊

[@garyburchell2979]

Thanks for sharing your weekend.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks for watching Gary

[@Hockeydadfolife]

Tuesdays are my favorite days! Another banger video my friend! I've seen your truck in passing a couple times so far. I'm just waiting for the day we cross paths out in the woods or campground. It would be awesome to sit and b.s. for a bit! Have a great week Kenny!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks Steve! You'll probably find me at Paulbeck's picking up groceries or fueling up at Holiday. If you see me, definitely stop by and say hi!

[@ericnunn8856]

Balmy 35 outside ( bike riding weather ) enjoyed the Q&A Thanks again for your videos and good to see your channel growing

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks Eric!

[@alanhuhta6189]

I truly look forward to your weekly trips , after seeing your adventures in the camper I’m planning on having some camping adventures myself In future!! Thank you for sharing information and adventures !! Cloquet Minnesota

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Alan that is awesome! I have slept at the Cloquet Walmart so many times. I would get off work Friday night, drive 1.5 hours to the Cloquet Walmart to sleep, then start my videos on Saturday in the Superior forest. It is so cool that you are watching from Cloquet.

[@RealMNreviews]

First time seeing your videos. I have the same color truck. We are from willmar mn 🤘 love the set up

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Welcome, glad you found the channel!

[@CLBoutdoors]

Kathio is my favorite spot in the winter. I've tented those sites and built quinzhees at those sites

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Maybe we will run into each other this winter. Make sure to say hi if you see me.

[@shnobi24]

What up Kenny, good too see you again.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Hope you enjoyed the adventure this week!

[@shnobi24]

@@KennyOfAllTrades I did.

[@jamesoliver565]

Good job on the video Kenny. I'm really enjoying it.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks James!

[@Timw927]

Good tips and great video, thanks Kenny!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks Tim. I appreciate you watching!

[@TheMeeks100]

Great video Kenny! Answered a lot of questions! Thanks!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks!

[@tonyfredo2086]

So,so relaxing just watching!!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thank you I really appreciate your comment.

[@FRZNTYM1]

Great video as usual Kenny. Good tips on truck camping. I stay in my TC down here in the Keys January through end of March. TC allows me to bring my boat. Your tip on doing the dishes is spot on. If I could add one thing it would be a spatula is my most used utility in the kitchen. I use it after every meal making sure when I actually wash the dishes there is virtually no food on the plates or silverware. Grey tank stays much fresher as temps down here do not get lower than 70 degrees.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

That's a great tip! I'll use the spatula tip from now on. Thanks for watching.

[@joshrandall9533]

Thanks for another great video. Might have missed this in a past video but do you have an affiliate link for your e-bike? Would love to pick one of those up.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks Josh! I appreciate all the support for the channel. I did throw a link in a video for the bike the first time I took it out. Unfortunately, I don't do affiliate links. I don't want my reviews of a product to be swayed by a promise of a financial kickback. I'll give you a link to the manufacturer so you can see all they have to offer. engwe-bikes.com/collections/all-ebikes?gclid=CjwKCAiA3pugBhAwEiwAWFzwdU0jZvvjHUI_r8PXmeIVB0EDuuDtcuc1BHAL45RN2_2mTiaZmkzihBoCAKsQAvD_BwE

[@joshrandall9533]

Thanks Kenny, appreciate the info

[@Yooper05]

Been looking forward to this all day! Great video, thanks for sharing and bringing us along.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

That's so nice of you to say! Thanks 😊

[@tonyfredo2086]

Kenny, I really appreciate your vids. It has to be quite exhausting editing your vids after the weekend and then working full time. Thank you!!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

It can be exhausting. I make the videos on the weekend and edit them to upload on Tuesdays. That usually means I sleep for 2 hours on Sunday, work Monday, and sleep for 2 hours Monday night. I try to stay awake on Tuesdays when i get home from work to answer comments... but sometimes pass out. So far, I've been able to keep up this crazy schedule. I hope one day to make content full-time. I figure if I give 200%, I should be able to make it happen. I'm just starting my lunch break, so I'm gonna make tomorrow's thumbnail. Thank you so much for checking out the older videos and leaving a comment!

[@virginia_in_the_rearview]

You make winter camping look so relaxing. Thanks for taking us along again. Btw, I thought you installed a diesel heater in the camper. Did I imagine that?

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I haven't installed one yet. About a year ago, I helped a friend install one in an ambulance he was converting. Maybe that's what you are thinking of. I'm still on the fence about where to mount one in the camper.

[@virginia_in_the_rearview]

@@KennyOfAllTrades I'm still building out my bus, so I want to install it now so I don't have that issue later. Love that I can tap into my fuel tank instead of having that small tank.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

That's a great idea. Those heaters are super efficient, and having it pull from your fuel take would be nice.

[@AdamS-nv5oo]

Steak looks great

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

It was so good. It tasted like smoked brisket. The fat rendered down, making it so tender.

[@heatherkay1610]

Nothing like a medium rare steak cooked over a fire. Well done mate.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks Heather. I appreciate the comment.

[@waltonfritz9565]

Another great video it's always nice to see someone you know

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks Walton, it was vary cool meeting Aaron.

[@SnowBird-dp3th]

Thanks for the video Kenny. It’s always interesting watching your video every Tuesday. I heard big winter storm coming Friday. Are you still planning to go camp this weekend?

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Yes, I'll be out there. I think we will just get a few inches here. Looks like the Cities will get most of the snow. I'll be about 3.5 hours north of them.

[@donnahouse6893]

Hope you didn't get stuck in all that snow....we got almost a foot Saturday!

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

It was a lot of snow! I went to Lake Bemidji for the weekend. I just got home. The roads were horrible but the video should be 👍

[@SnowBird-dp3th]

@Kenny Of All Trades awesome. I ended up in Iron river wi for the weekend and received almost 2 feet of snow. It's still a blizzard there. I also just got back down south. I almost got stuck. I'm looking forward to your video. Cheers

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Be safe!!

[@whuop-wadeshumbleopinion625]

If this has already been asked, I apologize but, do you have a topper(awning) over your slide? I can’t tell if you do or don’t. If you don’t, how do you clear snow/ice from the top before retracting it back in? Thanks! Absolutely love your videos and tutorials about your camper, it’s features and how you deal with things in general while dispersed camping. Thank you.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I don't. I've thought about getting one. I know it would help with snow and rain. I go up on the roof and use a small compact l leaf blower to clear the slide roof. I use the blower often to clean dirt and dust out of the camper.

[@donwilliams5841]

You nay have explained this b4 i started watching your channel but what's with the ratchet strap attached to the slide when you close it? Issues not closing tight? Great job as always....👍

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I haven't had any issues with the slide yet. I put that there because while driving down forertry trails that the slide mechanism takes a beating. The ratchet strap is helping keep everything tight.

[@randallelliott1969]

Awesome video thanks for sharing…. Why do you put the strap on the slide????

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I started doing that after going down old logging roads. That slide takes a beating, and the only thing holding it in place is the break on the motor. I figured I'd take some of the stress when being bounced around.

[@Gottawin01]

Those Walmart steaks when prepared right are pretty good.. 😏

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

For sure! Little salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rest... that's a perfect recipe for a cheap steak.

[@helenknight6980]

Hi Kenny still trying to catch up on your videos…really love them…also are you a police officer 👮?

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Former. I changed carrers at the beginning of the channel. For the last 2 years I been a state employee in the Department of Public Safty. Pryor to that, yes, I was a police officer.

[@Kody10538]

Enjoy your videos. Mind me asking, what is the reason for the ratchet strap on the slide?

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

During the summer months, I take my camper way back in the woods down forestry trails looking for the most remote camping. My truck and camper take a beating. The strap is to hold the slide in more securely. I think it helps. The camper is 20 years old, I'm just trying to take some of the load off the motor keeping everything secure.

[@Kody10538]

@Kenny Of All Trades Ah ok. That was sort of what I figured. Taking stress off the gears and whatnot underneath. It's definitely understandable. You mentioned watching for soft walls. Have you ever had a truck camper leak?

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Oh yes! I've owned a lot of truck campers over the years. They all leak, It's just a matter of time. Hopefully, you will catch it soon enough and dry out the wet area. I will have a dehumidifier and fans to dry out the wood. If you don't catch it soon enough and the wood dry rots, it can sometimes still be fixed with marine grade Epoxy. The stuff they use in boats to repair soft hulls and Stearns. If that doesn't work, it's time to rebuild. I have had to replace the front nose cap on this camper 5 or 6 years ago.

[@Kody10538]

@Kenny Of All Trades Having a leak is my first fear about putting big money into buying a TC lol. Do you go around and reseal your joints and compartments and whatnot regularly? I feel like repairing water damage would be a nightmare .

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I check my seals often and reseal questionable areas 2 or 3 times a year. Here is my suggestion....buy a cheap old truck camper and use it until it's falling apart. Don't worry if you get a leak. It's gonna happen! Just stay on top of it. (Obviously, don't buy one that's already trashed) If you spend 4 to 5 grand and get 5 to 6 years out of it, you'll be doing good. When it's completely trashed, you can part it out. The stove, sink, and windows all sell for home built fish shanties. If you live in the north.

[@Stuff7164]

Hey Kenny, Off-grid, what are you using to heat the camper, and what energy source? Thanks in advance, and I love your channel.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Thanks! I'm using the factory forced air furnace that runs off propane. The house batteries will power the fan all night. During the winter months, I sometimes stay at state park campgrounds. Oftentimes, they will plow out 2 or 3 campsites. They are always empty. If they have shore power, I use a 1000-watt ceramic heater. It does a great job keeping the camper warm even when temps fall below zero. The only time the electric heater struggles to keep the camper warm is in high winds. When the slide is out, the cold air finds it way in. I have been out in -40 degree temperatures. The factory furnace runs nonstop, but the camper will stay 70 degrees. On those super cold weekends, I go through 1 20-lb tank in 24 to 36 hours. A lot depends on the wind. I have not installed a diesel heater yet. I'm saving to buy a commercial grade Wabasto heater. My brother-in-law is a long-haul driver. He does not have many issues with his heater. Every person I see using the knockoff Amazon heaters on KZbin has issues. I can't have my furnace stop working when it -40. I've had my truck fail to start 3 times since I started the channel. I'm often in areas with no cell service. Having my heater not work could be deadly. I do carry a Mr. Buddy for backup along with a dozen cans of gell heat. That's my last resort.

[@Stuff7164]

@@KennyOfAllTrades - Thank you for this detailed info! I'm new to the overlanding/camping world (about a year in), so I'm still learning bunches! Your channel is affecting people in a positive way. Keep doing you!

[@ToddNelson-vg9uq]

Id love for me and my children to meet you in person some day

[@kthom89]

I always enjoy your videos but it's still too crazy cold for me that's why I live in New Mexico I saw you were watching Puss in Boots lol

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Lol. Thanks Kevin. I had The Office on. It's my go-to show. That was a commercial. 😆 I can't wait for it to warm up. Today, the forecast is calling for 7 to 8 inches of snow on Saturday. If nothing else, I should get a pretty snow-covered video this upcoming weekend.

[@kthom89]

@Kenny Of All Trades thank you for sharing your experience and camper tips. Have a great week

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

@@kthom89 You too Kevin!

[@didibolter9362]

Kenny, we WANT to be with you! A weekend is NEVER long enough for us, we value your company! 😉 🤗 MORE PLEASE!!! Your steak looked wonderfully delicious! I don't know how you do it, whatever meal you are making, cooking, baking, whatever, you ALWAYS make it look so easy and so very delicious, what is your secret?? I thought that Campsites ALWAYS closed down for the Winter, very interesting! 🔥 I was afraid for you when you went bike riding in the snow and ice, I thought that your bike might slip on the ice. Maybe, you should wear a helmet my friend, you know, just in case. 😉 How do you make your bed so nice?? Is there really that much space up there to make the bed? 🛏 Gee, I guess so. I ALWAYS want you to drive very carefully in that snow and ice my friend, because you know, "THERE'S ONLY 1 KENNY FOR US AND THAT'S YOU!!! 😍 👦 💻🏞Keep Camping🏞🚙 Your friend, Didi, 🖑 🐠 🐟 🐠 🐡

[@rvlifediy]

Have you been to all the state parks? Don't recall how many there were, but I never appreciated them as much as I should have when I was younger.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Great question. It was this winter that I learned how many parks provided winter camping. Last winter, I struggled to make videos every weekend because I couldn't find places to go. Once I learned there are over 20 state parks that plow out a few sites, it made winter camping easier. I have only camped at a few state parks in the summer months. I believe there are over 80 parks all together. Most of them are booked out over 100 in advance. I usually make plans on Friday when I head out on Saturday. The state parks are so beautiful. I can see why they are full all summer. But it's magical in the winter because they are empty!

[@allenmccarriston5834]

Have you ever performed maintenance on the slider mechanisms?

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Just slide lubricant spray on the tracks and rollers. I have not made any adjustments. I have had to tighten the lag bots down that hold the motor base plate to the floor. I noticed that after 15 years, they had backed out a little.

[@mikaynavea1036]

❤❤❤

[@truckcampinglife]

Hey Kenny, Do you leave your camper on your truck? I do and was just wondering if anyone else does.

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

I do leave it on. I have a beater with a heater that I use for my daily driver. The camper stays in the truck parked outside, waiting for the weekend. It's been off maybe 2 or 3 times in the last few years.

[@johncarolan2769]

👍

[@paulgorman6346]

What brand backup camera did you install that has the screen as the “mirror”?

[@KennyOfAllTrades]

Here is what i ordered back in 2020. I really like it. The brand name is Promido. Https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07ZF9FK6W?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

[@paulgorman6346]

Thank you so much!