winter truck camping almost BROKE me (story thirteen)

One-week post-blizzard, and we were hit again by a deep FREEZE. This week broke nearly every off-grid system on the truck camper, and forced me to rethink my upcoming winter plans on the road...
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#truckcamping #offgrid #wintervanlife

[@stevestouchupcompany5994]

Keep a small BBQ handy so you can dry out wet wood. Boil water to boil stones. To dry wet clothes too. Also communicate with gun stores. They have reliable repeat customers that are hunters outdoors man too. Gun store owners know lots of good people. In most cases you may be able to park on their property too. In the event of emergencys. Stay in contact with the state troopers of you general location. Keep many road flares like a dozen. You may need these resources do not risk health for adventure please. Winter is not any thing to play with. Establish communication with the state troopers especially when you are deep off road. Maybe consider making a welfare call once a day. With your location. Safety first. Please. 😊

[@shaneswayze6228]

Love your videos 💯

[@sherrieeverett4733]

💪🏻✌🏻

[@RoadyyRanger]

The joys of life on the road seriously. It’s grounding, challenging and beautiful in a lot of ways. I admire your resilience and bravery when taking on challenges that may be a little or way outside your wheelhouse. Keep being a badass and sending you and Terra love 💛

[@jennygrillo1500]

I’m always amazed by you. I have zero aptitude for mechanics. Aren’t you so proud of yourself. Bravo👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@keyapennyfox]

My thoughts exactly. She's pretty incredible.

[@jamesdee759]

I'm really glad that you were able to fix everything. One of the biggest advantages of you remodeling the camper in the past is the fact that it makes it easier to fix if/when something breaks because you know all the details of your camper. I'm really glad that you and Maddie Taylor are friends. She seems to be a wonderful person and you two seem to get along really well. Also Eliza seems to be such a sweet lovable dog. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us all

[@phosawelonewolf2886]

Wow, you go girl!!!🎉 You know so much about your rig. Be proud.❄️💜❄️

[@rustyneal8259]

You're awsome. Tackling installs like you did speaks to your fearlessness. Congrats on your successes.

[@dale2625]

Thank I like watching you’re videos! And really like watching a woman that know what’s there and doing! But FYI and personally think if y’all wouldn’t speak our Lord’s (o my Gods ) name in a negative way! It will help with what goes on in y’all’s day and travels! God Bless y’all! Good luck stay safe stay strong stay walking with our Lord Jesus!

[@brianbayer9926]

Congratulations on your success in changing your water pump ❤

[@marthabradas8873]

Thank you so much for this video. I think you are amazing and I love to see the success you had after adversity came along. I learned so much. I hope you have an awesome week, thanks for taking us along!

[@TheFinFitLifeLady]

Electrical work is not my forte, you are a badass I’m so many ways! 💪😎

[@Maddie.taylor]

Love love LOVE this video! Intro is 🔥🔥🔥

[@thosg1750]

Milwaukee tools, heat shrink, removing Pex fitting-very impressive to those that know! Great video!

[@user-ri5ul6lt7m]

I'm in Bend and have a rig with the same heater as you. Just a heads up that the propane regulator can freeze and stop the flow of propane. It happened to me on a -7F night. No heat or cook stove and frost on the edge of my mattress. Make sure the regulator doesn't get too cold! Also, tried the heating pads on LifePO4's, but it took too much energy when it was really really cold. Ended up adding a 110AH AGM battery to run just the critical systems. Still have my lithiums, but can always rely on the AGM to power my heater and such. Just wanted to let you know since you're prepping for a winter trek. All the best! Sandra

[@lauraweiss7875]

I’m very impressed with your ability to make all these changes. I really wish I learned more about electrical work when I was young.

[@dalemciver7118]

Did You Put A Breaker By The Battery so if The Cable Rubs On The Frame ?? Great Job

[@jomicheleseidl2033]

This first year in the new rig will be a process of discovering all the weak spots in your systems. But you have so many relevant skills and your physical strength and agility. Year two is going to be a lot different.

[@happydamcampers]

Wow way to go!!! Love your attitude and handiness to get things fixed!!!!!

[@SheRoamsWild]

Thank you so much! So grateful I was able to get it all back up and running :)

[@PNWXOverland]

I'd look into the electric Dometic faucet that is rechargeable. It would be far less hassel!

[@waynewelter]

I loved this episode. Demonstrating skills, resourcefulness and grit.

[@berilmurray9879]

You are a very capable young lady, so don’t second guess yourself. Life is full of challenges, and you face them head on, sorting everything out yourself. You are a inspiration!😊

[@sandrasomewhere]

Your skills are so impressive! It was great to watch you problem solve. Did all of this happen because of the issues with your heater? Hoping for a non-eventful rest of the year for you!

[@karendunson4049]

You are one smart young lady. Glad u got everything fixed to keep u warm and safe and happy.

[@simply.leen.]

Girl, you are such a badass. You rocked all these repairs like a pro and I am SO glad you decided to share it with us because that was flat out amazing. I'm so glad you were able to get it all completed and are back out there living your best life. Sending you and Terra much love as always.

[@errgowego7649]

Your amazing and so inspiring…being so self sufficient…able to take care of all aspects of your rig!!! Thx for sharing 😊

[@Propworn]

If you're going to remote camp in the winter or inclement weather you need a generator. It needs to be electric start and an inverter type. You can run your whole camper and charge batteries when there is no solar. It also allows an electrical heat source if needed. Allows you to keep your propane for fridge, stove and heat if needed. My camper has 2 30 lb propane bottles which I use sparingly. I have a portable catalytic propane heater and two electric small space heaters. I have camped in sub-zero temps with a foot or two of snow and bigger drifts. The worst was being snowed in for 5 days no problems. I camp in an 811 Arctic Fox near 20 years old. Here is a for instance, I have the propane furnace set for 55 degrees and the electric set for 65. In the morning I use the key fob to remote start my generator. Since the camper is plugged in the fridge kicks over to AC saving propane and the electric heater kicks in saving propane. My cat who is always with me is perfectly fine in those temps. If I am leaving the camper I can choose to shut down the generator then the propane furnace keeps it at 55 even if gone for several hours like fishing or hunting. On my return I hit the key fob and the generator starts and the camper takes but a few to hit 65. I added two more powerful computer fans to circulate air in the basement where the holding tanks are. I monitor the temps with a 3 station outdoor temp/humidity monitor, and it never gets below 40. I have been wilderness tripping for 50 years and have learned you have to plan properly for times when you could get stranded. Shelter, heat, water and food are essential for survival. When you're stranded you have to switch to survival mode quickly, or you waste your resources. Ask yourself this, if you got stranded for a week when even if they knew where you were it was impossible to mount a rescue do you have the resources for you and your pup to wait it out for help? Please be safe.

[@Propworn]

I forgot to mention I adapted my generator to also run from an outboard motor fuel tank which gives me about two full days running if needed. I make sure to run it 3 or 4 hours before bed raising the inside temp, perfect air temp for a quick shower, and it charges all my batteries even the truck. I carry extra fuel for the generator. On the road with fluctuating winter temps I have easily gone a month without running out of propane, water or gray/black water storage.

[@JL-dj5ek]

First. Nice thumbnail.

[@RealProVanR]

It makes sense Alex. No matter who or what lifestyle … always be grateful.

[@manuelespinosa724]

Good for you, you pulled through it impressively well!

[@SusanMcCarterBB]

You're amazing. 🎉

[@jaystewart9947]

Great job of tackling the dreaded plumbing issues. You’re building confidence every time you have to deal with these types of issues. A couple of things worth mentioning: possibly make an access panel similar to your battery access panel for accessing the water pump? Also, this may seem menial but it really matters, if you’ll wind your teflon tape on the same direction as your fitting goes on then the tape will truly remain in the threads as you tighten the fitting. In this case you’d wind it clockwise as you’re looking at it from the end. Good luck and good job!

[@norm5785]

Home maintenance and upgrades can definitely be a challenge, but gives so much benefits. But to have them all at the same time is stressful. Thank you for sharing. Everyone stay, warm, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia

[@BruceTurner]

I've been watching your videos for several months and this is one of my favorites. Thanks for sharing this experience with us!

[@paulhartman5076]

Congrats on your successes. You're such a capable young woman. 😊

[@Rich-n-Cooper]

Nice to see you resolve your issues and make some great improvements, may offer some advice on your external cable run? It appeared from the video this was not protected with any trunking or a fuse at the power source. If its not i would strongly advise you fit both to avoid the positive cable grounding on the chassis due to damage to the outer case from vibration or other debris. If it does this will likely result in damage to components or worse a fire. Fit the additional fuse at the power source (i assume starter battery connection) and the trunking will protect from vibration and other damage while driving. Love the videos Rich & Cooper (my Husky) ;)

[@eac381]

Wow, that's impressive. I don't know what your background is but to make those changes on the fly as you did, you are an impressive young lady! Great job!

[@agentofficerthomasa.porter107]

Just discovered your youtube. Your gifted in your accomplishments. That appeals to me in building & restoring & repairs. The drone views are not my interest. You have your pup & they are uncondtioal loven💕24/7. You have wonderful comradery. In any build it is alway easy to build & install without planning on having to return to those locations. At the time we think, "this should last a long time before ever have to see that or this". Down side to mechanical made critters, they just are never made to last long. They all have there own shelf life. I have come to the conclution, since the Maytag Repair Person died years ago so did the quality of manufacturing! Maytag was sold some years ago & they moved it all to Mexico & workers are paid Slave Labor wages. Odd the prices for Maytags went way up. Tragic the standards how anything is made today has no long term guarantee. Ouch. Something I did from the get-go. Have every possible part in the garage to have on hand when something goes broke. Most places do not keep in stock the Radiator, Starter, Alternator, Spark Plugs, Water Pump, Drive Shaft, Carburetor & Wires & Fuses for our Pick-Up Trucks. The List goes on. Your living quarters same agenda. To have a $5,000 dollar emergency fund is a mainstay. Tow Charges, Tires, Labor Cost & when ever used, get it replaced a.s.a.p.! The Lithium Batteries never want to get below 50%. Wish you the very best in your journey & discoveries! always, Tommy🤠

[@tonylourenco9829]

Nice video just a just suggesting. You should have a Chinese heater there for backup heat. I don't know what kind of heat you got in there. And it's a dryer heat. There's no condensation from it just saying

[@earlhamil731]

Winter is the toughest season, I lived from 2008-2016 in a fifth wheel and winter took its toll more than any other season. Bent awning arms, torn fabric from ice, roof damage, furnace died, HWH died, rotating three 40# propane cylinders weekly. Heat tracing, sewer and water lines freezing. Ugh. Never again

[@kimmetcalfe6408]

You are awesome and incredible, you can accomplish anything!!❤️ love that about you! Know that you are loved and cared for🫶 be safe.you are a strong young women!!💜🦋

[@PaulBeiser]

Fantastic! Especially loved the section with the song “The Best Day of My Life”, the pure joy with your doggie, and the smiles. And loved the reflection on it all.

[@pamelarw58]

Alex u are an exceptional woman being so capable with repairs …. great job with water pump….no leaks!! Love the way u “touch wood” 😎🤗 Do u have a portable solar battery charger as they come in handy for emergency for phone especially? Love from Australia 💜🇦🇺🍻

[@jerrytalley802]

You did a beautiful job on your camper. Too bad you couldn’t anticipate a pump failure and make an access door. Hey, hindsight is always 20/20

[@davespoemsandsongs9497]

Thank you, Alex great video I enjoy video very much the most I like about the video watch you fix all the things in your van

[@BarryTree-u4f]

Your no different in your truck/ camper then anyone at home, nothing lasts forever. It truly sucks that you had to replace things. But your attitude towards this week was great. I wish I technical minded you are. As always I'm enjoying your journey with you.🙃

[@chael7997]

Like your shooting and storytelling style. Good production and post production value chica.

[@jle6404]

I am so impressed with your electrical and other repair skills and your overall problem solving abilities. I do love learning how all the various parts work and fit together. You've taken on so many challenges with confidence and the know-how. I have a small travel trailer and like learning how everything functions but haven't tackled my own repairs - yet! You're helping me build confidence to do so! Thanks for sharing and keep it up!

[@candacelemming858]

Maybe everything did kind of blow up at once, but look at you!! You fix everything. I couldn't have done that on my best day. You better well know how incredible you are 😏😁

[@Popeye1963-q6u]

I enjoy watching all the everyday stuff you have to do. Keep it real. I envy you a little. Lol. One little we'll meant piece of advice. Wrap your Teflon tape counter clockwise. Will keep it from bunching up when you thread your fittings on. No offense meant

[@katieshoe9969]

When you are ready to get off the road full time, I think you would be able to get a building manager/maintenance/handy (wo)man/City maintenance job in a small town very easily. For my business I rent office space owned by a local bank, and their maintenance man position is a great secured job, and something people retire from

[@contrafax]

I have great admiration for your resourcefulness and I love your music choices. Another nomad I am following. Sigh. Gonna start from the beginning. Should catch up fairly quickly.

[@kiaorable]

It’s turned out to be a good video, and your handy skills certainly help big time, yes the challenges living on the road, even though my mechanics I use to be able to do but can’t these days, I’m not stopping living on the road, just love. I have my camper checked regularly hoping to avoid some issues. Cheers from Australia.

[@steveleavesnoadventurebehi4349]

Good morning this is Steve it is November 9. I am sitting here having coffee and watched your video. That was a lot of fixing to get done. You’re very good in that way. Looks like you know what you’re doing. You did a great job and your little companion just sits there and watches you sitting there chewing on his bone I like that but you keep up the good work so we can lead to watch a Videos. Thank you for everything you are a great person and till then hopefully I’ll meet up with you someday to say hey I have some coffee be safe out there.

[@monikastep5711]

I’m so glad you decided to share this footage. I have an older van and never thought of a heat pad for the battery. Thank you :). And I ❤ that dance between you and Tara 😉 i dedicate a cheesy country song by a Canadian - May I have this dance by Anne Murray 🐶 💃:)

[@simplyboppingK]

I don't understand electrical talk at all but good for you!!! Also you like Noah Kahan? Even more of a reason to like you!!

[@jeannehamilton6237]

Wow. Mad skills. I only hope to acquire 1/2 your skills and I would be so proud of myself. ❤❤❤

[@clintjustice5637]

Awesome job!!! Please be sure to add some wire loom around the wires you ran under the truck just in case they rub against something.... It will keep them from shorting out and rubbing against each other or anything else....

[@ShamimJahuri]

You are amazing and I am so proud of you.i need you very much.shamim zahuri,bangladesh💞🤝👫👥🎎

[@ryanfish1137]

Hi. I have a suggestion for your wiring. When you run wiring on the exterior or through metal, use wire loom to protect your wiring. Your electrical spot looks good though, and yeah no sparks is always a great thing. I work on custom work trucks and wiring can be interesting with dozens of wires.

[@newworldorder6391]

I love that you are able to do your own work. I wish you guys would show your work. Some people do not know how to do summer things you guys should start but that’s a Fitness.

[@candacelemming858]

I was looking up how much money you make from you tube videos and was quite shocked. You should be making so much more. I hope in the future you do. 🤔

[@AdventureswithJerrod]

The only thing I remember about mechanics is my dad saying, “GET THE DAMN LIGHT OUT OF MY EYES!” 🥴

[@EdwardBussell-r8z]

Victoria if I was with you I wouldn't worry cause you know what you are doing by the way my name is Edward Bussell

[@reneeburkett4177]

I am in such awe of you. You are afraid to tackle anything!! Or at least not afraid to the point of not doing it. There you are in the middle of the forest just you and Tara and I’m twice your age and I’m to big of a chicken to carry on with my vacation plans when my friend bailed on me.

[@janrachels1919]

I love your build! I built out a Promaster a few years ago so I can appreciate the work you have in it. Love love your cabinets!

[@stephaniedaniels9285]

You rock!!

[@ricfly52]

Water pumps in any RV is a PITA. I have replaced three over the years. I think the engineers put them in the worst place on purpose.

[@RonnyWesterlund]

You are amazing, you fix everything. One stop shop. Ron in Sweden 🥰

[@mowgli6345]

How do you deal with things breaking on the truck? Does preventative maintenance generally take care of you, or are you calling a tow truck every now and then?

[@Macskinny76]

I noticed in the video on your dash, your tire light (tmps) was flashing off and on. Is that something to worry about ?

[@jasonjones5213]

Great job, one thing about building something yourself, you can take it apart to fix it.

[@k9rescue165]

The good thing, positive thing, is that you learned from that experience and will be more than ready for something like that again or even worse. Great job!! 🐾🐾

[@grantpowers]

Maybe insulation in certain areas could help,, instead of more mechanical stuff

[@enns5366]

Im so glad you are choosing to share the downs as well as the ups. Not to mention your a BadAss doung all the work woman. This was a great video. Glad it all worked out

[@joemeis8101]

Your breaker needs to be right off the battery. You have a lot of wire between the battery and the breaker in your camper. That’s a big fire hazard if the wire grounds out along there. At least put a fuse in right off the battery. Hate to see your stuff get ruined.

[@amjadvloger7986]

❤I won't meet you in this life one time your face I did like it's it's amazing face look like sad mode Lonley

[@annileehosford8900]

It’s like you’re delivering a baby with that water pump :)

[@HensOnly]

You go girl! You can do this! You picked some beautiful places and Tara takes it all in just fine! Glad you got everything in place ready for winter!

[@jerrytalley802]

Thanks again for telling the other side of road life. It helps other people considering it to get the true picture and prepare ahead from learning from you.

[@bubbaredneck75]

idk what size alternator u have in yer truck but may want to consider getting a higher volt one they use for bigger car stereo systems when the time comes to change it out. just a thought

[@MusicFandom]

Funny thing is... Front wheel drive is way better in snow than rear wheel drive 🤠

[@chrisward5314]

Nice job. I am curious how the heating pads work out.

[@estherlongly6557]

Thanks for your happy dance! Loved it!!

[@stevebartlett7848]

Good job! It’s great that you can fix so many systems.

[@georgehouse4747]

Wow. I just had to Say what an Awesome job you have done. Be proud 👏

[@PNWXOverland]

Oh and friend that wire under the cab should have some wire loom covering it!

[@FrethKindheart]

Nice touch blending in your bumper music from your phone to the video.

[@virgosun1991]

How did you learn all this stuff???? I'm amazed

[@anneberreman4267]

You're a beautiful, kind person.

[@williampotts3206]

Free camping in Ohio for her....300 yds from. Pymatuning lake..

[@shanemilehi]

Pretty cool that you can do all that stuff. Great episode

[@stevehicks9374]

Best video love it! Keeping it real ❤️🙏🏻🇺🇸

[@JasonRuth-k8o]

I THINK IT IS CALLED A SPIRITUAL QUEST. WHEN YOU GO SOLO.

[@RobertWells-o7p]

Hay there I That you could do that I had hopes in you❤

[@dawnisedge797]

Thanks for sharing your journey with us!

[@Dcw-rp6ib]

I would definatly head south for the winter.

[@j87waldo]

I need a good wood knife like that ... I missed what it was

[@MrDaveB123]

I have no idea who you are , But I'm happy for you 😊

[@jeffking6529]

Another great video , thanks . Take care.