We are Chase and Bryce Benson and have been fulltiming in our fifthwheel for over three years. We travel coast to coast for Chase's job and share our adventures along the way!
I know!! I was amazed at how many babies and they are so cute! I told Chase I think Bison are my new favorite animal lol. It was such a beautiful drive and you can do it in an hour too which is nice. We loved South Dakota and want to go back! Thanks for watching Kim!
Such an awesome trip. I’ve been all over the world, but those parks I didn’t hit. Then in my mid 30s around the time I retired from the Air Force I started having massive vertigo issues. I’m trapped east of the Mississippi and below about 1500 feet, so I missed my chance. One place I spent a week back in the day was Antelope Island in the Great Salt Lake in Utah. Huge herd of wild buffalo there too that reminded me of that part of your trip. Glad you guys got to check it out! Thank you!
Thank you for your service Jeremy! I'm so sorry. I have never heard of Antelope Island but I will have to check that out cause it sounds like a beautiful place! Thank you Jeremy and thanks for watching!!
@@Sparks_and_Rec_ Thanks! You guys should definitely check out the area. Antelope Island is just out of Salt Lake City, in the lake obviously, but you can drive a bridge to it and there are two small campgrounds on it. Awesome visit, and you’re really close to the Bonneville Salt Flats and mountains and of course checking out Salt Lake City and Provo. I was in a school for a week at Hill Air Force Base, but I did spend a day exploring the island. Fun fact: most any movie featuring buffalo herds is filmed there because they will swarm right around you and can only go so far when they’re spooked away.
Hey Bryce. Great video. While we were watching this video my wife reminded me that Custer SP is on our bucket list. And Chase is right…I can’t wait to ride our trike through there someday. I’m not sure about being within petting distance of the buffaloes without Kenia with me to give ‘em what for😄. Safe travels.👍🏼😎
Y'all would LOVE IT!! We were blown away by the amount of bikes, off road vehicles, really you name it! It was so cool! Especially going through the tunnels! haha Kenai was definitely letting them have it a few times lol! Thanks Rick and y'all have a great weekend!!
Thank you so much Jeremy!! We used to have a 4ft tree before moving into the rig lol. We were at Hobby Lobby and I asked Chase to stand next to the 6ft tree. I asked if we could get it hahaha and said sure. Can't wait to show y'all how it looks during Christmas cause I'm not going to lie it's pretty awesome hahaha Thanks for watching!! Have a great week Jeremy!
You two are cute. I love you home. I LOVE fifth wheels. Love, love, love them. Never actually camped in one let alone lived in one. I just think they are the closest thing to an apartment/small house on wheels. I mean nowadays they have washers and dryers, dishwashers and ceiling fans!! That’s one hell of a camper imo. So that’s why I love em. And, with slide outs, they are super roomy. Enjoyed your video!! See ya! ❤️💜💚
Thank you so much!! There is something special and cool about fifth wheels!! I agree that they are the closest thing to an apartment/tiny home! I've seen some with wine fridges lol but they do make them really cool and so many options!! The slides definitely make a difference, we stayed in a camper with no slides for a month and afterwards Chase said "I'm glad we have our fifth wheel" lol Thank you so much!! Really appreciate that!! Have a great week!
Of course sorry about that! It's a 2010 Keystone Montana 3400RL fifthwheel. When I was looking there are some within a few years difference that are very similar (ex 2011 Montana 3400 RL) hope that helps! Thanks for watching!!
Oh hey..... that was a hilarious video 🤣😂😅. I bet the rv is so much lighter since you've removed, um I mean "redecorated". I took those mirrored closet doors out of my house and what a difference it made. Great editing Bryce 👍. ~Kim
Hahaha thank you so much Kim!! We had a blast making it. I laughed so much when editing it lol We were amazed at how heavy all the stuff was. Genuinely surprised! I forgot to add in the video that we took the old tvs out and put new ones in....the one in the bedroom was HEAVY!! I told Chase I don't know how that thing didn't fall down lol Thanks Kim!! I've never been a fan of mirrored closet doors. Have a great rest of your weekend and coming week!
That was a great tour. You had us cracking up 🤣! You have a cool well organized spacious home. Well done. That ending pose was the best. Kenai earned his keep with that smile 🐶 . 👍🏼😎
Haha Thank you Rick! We had a blast making it and I laughed a ton when I was editing it lol. Kenai definitely earned his keep lol it can be hard to get him to pose. Thanks Rick and have a great rest of your weekend!!
Thanks for the comprehensive tour. I imagine the deletions totaled significant weight removed. Thank you, too, for your lighthearted candor. Sweet to watch.
Thank you so much!!! We were amazed at how heavy all that stuff was. Even the smaller items we've taken out...we were always surprised how heavy it was. Thanks for watching and have a great weekend!
Love this one. So much of that stuff comes off as impulse purchases that people end up purging before long. Not that they’re bad or anything, they just aren’t really needed. Sometimes less is more. Thanks guys!
Thanks Jeremy! I was a victim of the Ikea impulse purchases when moving into the camper lol...then ended up getting rid of majority of it. I agree with you! Not that they're bad...but do you really need it! Thanks Jeremy for watching and have a great rest of your week!
This video is funny AF, and I don't mean it in a negative way. All of the videos that I've seen on RU-vid are about showcasing what people have in their fancy RV or build-out van. Right after I graduated from college in 2003, I took my time traveling the lower 48 for 2 years that started in California and ended in Pennsylvania. I only had a Toyota truck, a week worth of clothes, a complete set of camping gear, a cell phone, a laptop, and a backpack. It was all about keeping things simple and executing well thought out plans for me. I pretty much utilized every known resources available to the public throughout my adventures for a minimal cost and at times free. I almost spit my drink when you mentioned "the blue thing". I think you meant the RV inline water filter. Yeah, I didn't like those either. Instead, I bought five 5-gallon bottled water at Walmart and just exchanged them when empty. I sincerely wish you joy and happiness throughout your travels.
Thank you so much hahaha! That is such a huge compliment! That is so cool!! We actually traveled for a few months without the rv and traveled in a chevy pickup and you get really creative!! Our video "how we started" explains more but we loved the adventure. But that is so cool!! Yah I couldn't remember "the blue thing" but y'all knew what I was talking about and it makes it more entertaining hahaha. Thank you so much for watching!! Have a great week!!
My wife is the same way regarding clutter and counter space. And that little countertop dishwasher is definitely a no-go for us as well. Happy travels.👍🏼😎
Thanks Rick! Now they are coming out with the dishwashers that you cut a whole in the counter and set it in. Still wouldn't get one cause then I'm permanently loosing counter space lol. Thanks for watching Rick and y'all have a great rest of your weekend!
So many videos saying you need a list of items, nice to see a video saying you do not need it maybe. Great job on the video. You can always add a video on things you do use in the future. A few things I think are good for starting out are a water pressure regulator, an AC power safety device for spikes etc, sewer pipe, water hose and tire chocks. When you do upgrade for boondocking the batteries are the first thing, you can charge them many ways but solar only works during the day. Get a good battery or two. Remember the lithium batteries can fail and start a fire, they create oxygen as they burn so you cannot smother them so have a way to slide them out if you can. Also when wiring the fuses are to protect the wire from over heating, if you use to big of wire it will not protect your devices, people oversize and undersize wire. Stay safe and healthy.
Thank you so much! We will definitely do a video of "musts" but there are so many videos of stuff you "need" that maybe won't work for everyone. Chase has been looking into the batteries, I agree safety is something to definitely look into with stuff like this. Thanks for watching!!
Finally someone does a “what we don’t need/use.” Too many people hung up on having literally everything. And that’s why they’re all overweight 😂. Good video guys. Also, time for a pet donkey?
FOR REAL!!!! I was SO overwhelmed when we moved it cause I thought "they said I need this" lol. Could you imagine having a pet donkey in the camper hahahaha that would be hilarious!!!! Y'all could fit one in the toy hauler part haha Thanks Andrea!
I really want one! We had one that stuck to the window but it was leaking really bad and would leave a red streak down the camper lol but we do want to get one cause that would be fun!
@@Sparks_and_Rec_ girrrrrrl you should make the hummingbird water! That red died stuff is apparently really bad for the birds. But we had the same issue with a sticky one, then we got these new glass ones that work well!
Forgot to mention we do have a FACEBOOK page now. I know some don't have an instagram and wanted to follow our journey more so we are on INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK. For Facebook just look up Sparks and Rec and we will be there (literally just made it this morning so.....lol) On Instagram we are Sparks_and_Rec_ . I post more real time stuff. I am more active on Instagram but will try to keep Facebook updated as well (once Chase goes back to work I will have more time but right now spending time with him is priority and thank y'all for understanding)
Hi , we enjoy your channel but was wondering since you’re trying to grow it would it have been more beneficial to tell the things you do use instead of what you don’t ? Think sponsers. Also , Harvest Host is not a membership to consider since you’re basically paying $30 a night for nothing . We enjoy US Army Corp of Engineer parks for affordable RV sights … if they work for you. And …. Bryce is a special name for us as it’s our oldest sons name. Keep up the good work
Thank you so much!! That means a lot! We are definitely going to a "what we recommend video" but figured no one really does a "what they don't own". I completely understand! A lot of our travel days are usually two long days back to back and we usually stay at a Walmart parking lot/rest area. Chase has a hard time sleeping next to 18 wheelers at rest areas (I get it). We did end up purchasing a membership (after the video) but we will definitely let y'all know if it was worth it or not. I'm curious to see if we like it cause I know some people use it a ton and love it and some not so much lol. That's awesome that y'alls son's name is Bryce! That is too cool!! Thank y'all for watching and have a great weekend!
Another great video. Your minimalism has created an extremely nice, clean living environment for yourselves. Anyone living on the road is always tempted to own more stuff, until the walls totally close in on them or their rig is way overweight. Great job at deciding what works for you, and just saying no to the things which would turn your rig into looking like you went wild at the RVing tent sale in Quartzsite. I strongly recommend treating a generator as something to add only if you can't get things how you want with LiFePO4 batteries charged by solar panels, plus a DC-DC converter hooked to the truck. The DC-DC converter turns your truck engine into a generator/charger anytime you drive (or idle it, which isn't a great long-term plan). Because a lot of your driving is with the truck separated from the RV, it just means that some or most of the batteries should reside in the truck to be able to charge them with DC-DC. Adding a separate generator adds a lot of weight, hassle, gas cans, maintenance, spills, noise, hatred, etc. I'd treat it as a last resort. Or if you want it up front until the solar/battery setup is refined just right for you, treat the generator as disposable. Harbor Freight is your friend for a good, cheap generator that you won't lose a ton of money on when selling it used after betting solar/battery/DC-DC to meet all of your needs. Power stations (formerly called solar generators) are overpriced compared to designing/building a custom system of your own using either "drop in" 12V LiFePO4 batteries, or "rack mount" 48V batteries. Choosing and mounting solar panels, there are a few ways to go, with pros and cons. The good news is that there have been huge improvements in how much capability you get for a given price. Things just keep getting better and cheaper, to the point where personally I consider gas generators obsolete for anyone with the amount of roof area that you have for solar. My contact info is available in my channel info, if you ever need system design/purchasing/DIYing advice.
Thank you so much!! We've definitely learned that simpler is better (and also helps my sanity lol) I'm the type of person that can't work in a mess and I hated cleaning the camper up all the time, until we really paired down. Thank you for that I will definitely pass that on to Chase (I'm clueless with that stuff but thankful Chase takes care of that) Thank you for your kind words and have a great weekend!!
We love scenic drives!! We will sometimes just hop in the truck and just drive and see where it takes us. Thanks Jessica and have a great rest of your Labor Day weekend!
I know what you mean! The mirrors really helped! Who knew that little mirror would be a lifesaver lol. It really is a beautiful place! Thanks for watching Shawn and have a great rest of your Labor Day weekend!
I agree! It's very confusing when you're doing research and measuring cause you just don't know sometimes. But definitely paying attention on being center is key! Thanks for watching!!
Hey Rick I was about to message you on another video. I got the email that you left a comment about your vet experience but when I went to open it up it wasn't there. I haven't received notifications about the other ones. I don't know what happened but this one is up. I know for a fact I didn't delete any of them cause I reply on my laptop and not my phone. So sorry about that. I have you as an approved user so there shouldn't be a reason why your comments aren't showing up on this video. I'm looking into it but RU-vid isn't being very helpful as to why your comments aren't showing up. I know for a fact it doesn't go against "community guidelines" but that is one reason RU-vid is saying as to why comments might not be showing up. I will see what else I can find. So sorry about this Rick!
@@Sparks_and_Rec_ No worries. I just want you to know about the eufy Security Indoor Cam C120. You just need wifi and add a sd card inside and you don’t need to pay for cloud account. It gives a great recording and I think you can even talk to Kenai through it. And did I mention…It’s Cheap! Good luck👍🏼😎
Love the dog tips. It’s a huge thing that a lot of people don’t think about. Even part timers, they could have something happen while they’re away from home. I definitely need to print out our dogs stuff and keep a folder ready for RV trips. Thanks!
Thanks Jeremy! I agree if you're a part timer it would be good to print records off cause you never know. I get questions each time we go and I don't know the stuff off the top of my head. Thanks for watching!!
First of all, I love that you guys are twinning 🤣😆🤣. And Kenai is NOT an inconvenience, he's a lover boy 💙. Most of the full-time rvers that I've watch really like the WAG monitor system for their pets. And girl with all the great tips you give you need to become an affiliate and open your own Amazon store so you have some extra dinero for Kenai's toys 😉. ~Kim
Haha I didn't realize that we were twinning until you said that! That's hilarious! It actually happens often haha without either of us knowing. I'm definitely going to look into WAG. Thank you! I need to open an amazon store, that's on the list of things to do when Chase starts work back up and I have more time to do stuff like that. Haha the last thing Kenai needs is more toys (Even though we just bought him a Bison stuffed animal haha) Thanks Kim and have a great week!
Congrats on being good dog parents, the reward for which is a well-behaved dog. The majority of dogs are unruly to one extent or another. In the case of RVers, very often very unruly. To me, it's always on the owners, for not training the dogs.
Thank you!! We've had our fair share of run ins with dogs, sadly its made Kenai a bit skittish towards some dogs and people (we are still working on that). Thank you so much for saying that!
For a pet monitor, I'd suggest that you find a video or two by Carolyn's RV Life where she explains her Waggle pet monitor. While they are a sponsor of her, I can tell that she truly loves the system. She also happens to have the best-trained, best-behaved dog of any RVing channel. She is pretty obsessive about her dog. When she runs a Waggle promo, she often has a discount code for a very big discount, like 50% or slightly more. Not having a dog or any need to monitor my vehicle, I can't vouch for the product, just that her endorsement of it means more than an endorsement of something like a power station, where RU-vidrs just scoop up expensive free stuff, then make a lot of money off referral/affiliate sales. This is a lower-volume product that she uses and is expert on.
I've heard of waggle and have really considered it. I will definitely look her up! Thank you!! Chase found a solution today for monitoring the AC/heat whenever we are out and to change it when we are out. I know Escapees will do promos for waggle sometimes too but that might be better. I totally understand! Thank you!! Have a great weekend!!
I’d like to be notified when the auction happens for Kenai toys!! Good information about marking the vets and groomers so if you’re in the area again you know where to go. Very helpful!
I love when you show and tell on Costco goodies. I love that place for the same reasons. They’ve got some Korean bbq seasoned pork nuggets right now that are way too good. That bag of little packs lasted a day and a half in our house. Thank you!
