We're Mark & Teresa. We've always found that getting outside and connecting with nature is a great way to enjoy life. Our camping trips allow us to do just that along with meeting the nicest folks who share the same passion for the outdoors as we do.
Kicking around in our purpose built adventure rig, our 2019 Ford Ranger XLT FX4 with our GFC (Go Fast Camper) #1919 and occasionally in our 1999 Coleman popup with our 2005 Ford F350 4x4 Dually. Teresa also enjoys camping in her 2010 Kia Soul (the Soulverlander) which we converted into her own little adventure rig. We hope you join us in our travels as we share our builds (camper trailer and vehicle mods), pics, tips & hacks!
When we aren't camping Mark is a certified stone mason specializing in dry stone construction with his company Rockin Walls and Teresa runs her own non-profit (Calm Acres) from our horse farm to help people with special needs.
Thank you! I am in LOVE with my Xterra. An amazingly capable truck (even stock). Tons of storage and very comfortable to sleep in. Will you be camping in yours? Have you bought one yet? You won't be disappointed...promise! Thanks for watching! 😊 ~Teresa
We were camped up in the corner by Chris with the Monstrosity. So yes, I was running back and forth with the camera past you guys. If you're talking about the brown puffy vest jacket with glasses that was Joe, he works for Main Line Overland. He was in this video a few times walking around. Your VW van was amazing! Thanks for watching. - Mark
@Time.Space.Heal. We'll be back next year. It's so cool to see you both sporting the original OG Wedge Camper. Our buddy Mike has one which he loves. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-4NSAgljY3FM.html I'll have to see if we can talk him into coming next year.
Right on! My band played that Vanagon event this past year. Were everywhere! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-MnTqhy_3vLk.htmlsi=TH9KOL3ANtfRYyDZ
@AWheeler45 Our Friend Happy's Trails Sold it to Phil Down2Mob. I like how I can get into smaller spaces here on the East Coast. That would be a lot of trail strips on the FUZO. 🤣
Hello Charlie, I have not. The TurboNap is a 3 inches with 2" of dense foam and 1" of memory of $699.00 ($649.00 sale). The HEST is 4 inches with 2 layers of 2" memory foam $749.00. We had the chance to try out our friend's (Brian Toyota Overlanders V1 #384) HEST Foamy 25"x78" $299.00, which was absolutely amazing! He has 2 of them for his truck. This was before HEST was making them for the GFC. I really loved the HEST, but I didn't want to give up the Trans-Form-A-Floor system, which I also love. When HEST dropped the Dually Platform 50, it was a no-brainer! You'll see a lot of folks on the GFC forum jump to the HEST or go to the Exped. Then they get tired of blowing them up. So then they jump to the HEST. So why not just start with the HEST. With 4 inches of memory foam, you can only imagine which would do better 3" or 4" I'd rather have more. I can check with our contact at HEST to see what the plans are for the next batch. Currently, they are at Overland Expo Mount West in CO right now, Aug 23, 2024 Also, they're having a 25% sale coming up. Here is the link. tinyurl.com/4utfkptn What GFC do you currently have? Also, just a quick reminder this HEST DUALLY PLATFORM 50 is only for the midsized 50x90 GFC, not a full size. Thank you for watching. Happy Camping! - Mark
That's great! I am loving my Xterra...do you sleep inside or in a RTT? I sleep great inside mine thanks to my HEST Foamy mattress. 🙂 We've been camping a lot...with more to come as the temps continue to fall. We LOVE cold weather camping! Happy you enjoyed the video and thanks for watching! ~Teresa
@@OutOfOfficeCamping I sleep inside it. I can fit lengthwise because I'm short. So I fold down only the larger side back seat and keep the other one set up. Seems to provide more storage space that way.
Oh cool! I too sleep inside. I do fold down both back seats as I enter and exit from the rear driver side door. So roomy in there! I just bought some folding shelves to keep my lantern, tablet and power supply on. Happy to know there are other Xterra enthusiasts enjoying this super capable rig! Happy Camping! 😊 ~ Teresa
We're so happy you found our information helpful. It's definitely a simple concept. Check back in to let us know how everything goes with your build! -Mark
Like the Kia setup and that heater that you both shared, I have been watching a lot of Car Life channels and they setup their vehicles in the same way. Thanks for sharing with us!
Thank you again, Mike & Terrie. Yes, it's the simplest way to heat 2 cars. I believe we're the first to come up with. Car camping is definitely a lot of fun. I'm not sure if you follow Ambition Strikes, Truck House Life. Those are some really good people with honest content and no gimmicks. Thank you again for the watch and comments! - Mark
Thank you again, Mike & Terrie really appreciate the sub! This is our friend Dan he's from Massachusetts. He does some really cool stuff now he's retired. - Mark
I have always wanted to visit PA, living in Oklahoma in the high desert you really miss big trees. Love the camp setups and that awning is just brilliant.
Thank you, Mike & Terrie, for checking out our channel. We definitely love all our big trees and shade. One day, we really want to make it out west. We definitely really enjoy our setup! Cool to see you do all the homestead stuff! We have a 22-acre horse farm. So we know all too well about hard work. 🙂 Keeps us all strong. - Mark
Thank you, Mike! We can't wait to have you both back to camp at our farm. I'm just curious what did you get from this adventure ideas you'd like to steal? -Mark
Yes, that's really cool. I like the ceramic one but a metal one could be safer to travel with. Also, I found 91% rubbing alcohol gives you the highest and strongest flame. But it does burn mu h quicker. Yes, the good old contractors bags. Great for everything! Thanks for watching and the comments. - Mark
I love the Kia Soulverlander. Considering it can make it to every designated campsite in PA (minus severe weather events and deep snow) I think it is the perfect platform for what most get the time to do the hobby. Great video. Thanks for sharing
Thank you, Spencer. So true Teresa did have 3 inch spacers added for better ground clearance. Now, she also has the Nissan Xterra for those bad weather days. 😊 Thanks for watching! -Mark
This is by far the best tutorial. Thanks for being so thorough and easy to understand. You’ve given me a starting point when I can see success at the end. Happy camping ❤🎉🙏🌼
Oh this makes us so happy! It is always our primary goal to entertain and share helpful tips. Have fun with your buildout. I still camp in my Kia occasionally and LOVE it. If you have any questions etc, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're always happy to help! Happy Camping! 😊 ~Teresa (& Mark)
Heck yeah! I had to look it up since I had no idea what that was. I'm going to post a description for our viewers! I'm from PA. we had something on the other end when my grandfather worked in the slate quarries called a Pastie. Which is pie crust wrapped around steak cubs, potatoes with some onions. Thank you for the suggestion!!!🙂 -Mark "The pepperoni roll is an Italian-American stuffed bread roll. Originally conceived of as a coal miner's lunch, it is popular in West Virginia and some nearby regions of the Appalachian Mountains such as Eastern Kentucky, Western Pennsylvania, Western Maryland, and Appalachian Ohio.".........credit-Wikipedia
It's funny, you are either one way or the other with cooking. When I am alone, I just use freeze dried meals with my back packing stove. When I am in camp with the wife we use the oven, stove , and all the good stuff. I do it for her or who ever we are with. I just hate cleaning up! LOL. Great video. I subscribed. I am from Elkview West Virginia and lived in Nashville.
Jeff LOL yes I like to mix it up. Normally, me and Teresa just head out on adventures and camp. So, while we try to keep it simple, we do like to get out all the cooking stuff. This was my first time out with both Brian and Chris. So I really didn't know what our time would be for food since we did a lot of driving. We, too, like the freezer dried meals. Do you have any favorite brands and meals? Also, any suggestions for favorite areas to travel in West Virginia? Thank you for subscribing! Means a lot to us. -Mark
Yeah, right! I had no idea I'd have to compete with Brian and Chris in making the ultimate steak. 🤣 Next time I'll show them! In some ways, it worked out. I think they felt sorry for me, so they shared. Win win! 🙂 -Mark
According to Brian Toyota Overlanders said no. Yokum's is in Seneca Rocks. I had no idea where we were since he was leading and picked out the route. 🙂. Thank you for commenting and checking out our channel! -Mark
I'm confused by your comment. Please tell me you're joking, right? I really find the ProCarpenter Lefty/Righty amzn.to/3LjhYuw great to work with since you can read it from both sides. I also prefer to see all the smallest numbers since most tape measures don't have them. Not to mention, when I don't have my readers, I can remember the #. Plus, since I'm dyslexic it really helps me be better at my math. So if this is your reason not to take my advice, you should simply go with what works for you! - Mark
Definitely some super fun small curve roads. The COBB cooker is super cool. Little to big for our camp rig. This was why we went with a Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven. It's not as large in size and just a hair less weight. Not by much LOL. We will say we have enjoyed a great deal of tasty chicken from Brian's cooking. -M
Hey Sis! Yes, so conformable. I went from the stock 2 inch bedding to now 4". Total game changer. For some time, I've been using the REI Helix backpacker blow-up mattress pad. Just one more thing I had to manage when setting up camp or breaking down. This is the only sleep system on the market which is 4". You can't put a price on a good night sleep! 😊 -Mark
Thanks for the video. Blows my mind how people do what ever they feel like doing, while all along knowing their wrong & shouldn't be doing it. Those are what I call ME people. Their mentality is "it's all about me". Oh well; you did the right thing. Have a great day! Cheers!
Ofcourse! I have everything on my truck build listed here. Along with some additional RU-vid video tours. outofofficecamping.blogspot.com/p/ford-ranger-fx4.html?m=1 Please tell Peter Brautigam I sent you his way. He makes some incredible custom hitches. He's made well over 100. Fit and finish is top notch - hands down. -Mark
if you pause the video at 1:58 it looks like a pretty big gap (lots of daylight) to the left of the fire place where the tent folds out. Hopefully they rectify that gap
You may be right, or this is a reflection from the sky light on the fit kit. Definitely keep in mind, like he said, this is just a prototype, not a production unit. Tim said they received this to give feedback to AluCab and work out all the bugs with the add ons. Really wild setup. I don't think a lot of folks understand what you pointed out. I believe it is the fit kit to attach the tent to the cap. What's so amazing is that you have a truck cap, a tent, or a combo of the cap and tent together. Lots of options or the ability to mic match and the resale market will be just as amazing. Since it's not a one and done unit that only fits model Z truck...etc. really wild. This family model was amazing how much room it has. Still not as fast to set up or shut down as a traditional wedge tent. Thanks for the comment and watching! -Mark
Hello JC, congratulations on ordering up the GFC V2PRO! Yes, I made them out of 1/8th aluminum. I bent them on my finger break. I'll have a video about how I did it. I also made the air spoiler and did the rear seat delete plateform. See a full tour here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-NIanT5VDluY.htmlsi=3pNavbz0Xt3InJwI We're so happy you found our channel. Do you own a Ford Ranger? I have a bunch and bunch of product install videos I have to edit. So stay tuned! Thank you so much for the comment. Also, if you'd like to see the full build list plus links to the products, I used to check out our website. outofofficecamping.blogspot.com/p/ford-ranger-fx4.html?m=1 - Mark
@@OutOfOfficeCamping Ya I do have a ford ranger! I've had my overlanding equipment for a little over two years and am super excited for a passthrough build!
@@JCRanger That's so exciting! When will you get your GFC? You have to send some photos. Our email is the same as our channel @ gmail. I always like seeing other Rangers Overland Rigs since we seem to be so rare. If only some of those other mid-size trucks took a spin in a Turbo 10 speed truck, they definitely would reconsider. That puts a smile on my face every time. - Mark
Might be time for a 5 gallon bucket with a screw on lid? (or two for the trash and recylables) Tractor Supply ftw! Did you ever get the 12 volt ultrasonic/led repeller? It's amazing how persistent the critters can get if they've developed a taste for people food/trash. Glad you guys are getting out to have fun.
Thank you for watching Dan! That might weigh more than I can carry with my GVW since I like to keep those ounces off the truck, Lol. Normally, everything stays in the truck. We literally just finished dinner and got a fire started. I do have to look into the ultrasonic/led device. Yes, we're having a great time getting out. Just came back from off-roading at a paid trail park AOAA in PA good times today. Sleeping last night was a wee bit hot, only 90 degrees and no AC. By 4, it dropped to 70 degrees with 99% humidity ya. I'm not sure which was better...lol -M
Yeah that little dude was quite a surprise! LOL! And we were pretty relieved to hear the true origin of the trail name. Phew! 😂 Thanks for watching! 😊 ~Teresa
Hey guys! Another great chill video. Always picking up tips from you both and love watching Mark do his fire thing! Looking forward to seeing the rest of the trip and catching up with you soon.
Thank you Mike! Glad you found some helpful tips in our video's. Yup had to get that fire going! Stay tuned the next video I'll release in a day or so. I have a bunch of camp videos to get caught up on. This just happened to be the most current. I felt it was fitting to put it up. 😊 John and Cathy even join us in there Treehouse on the 3rd video Day 3-4. - Mark
I have no idea. I'm sure it would freeze. The only way I see getting hot water is with a third-party water shower pump system. I believe this is nothing more than just one big water tank. Great question! This is why we carry portable water tanks. We prefer winter camping so we can simply carry our water in our cab until we get to our destination. Then we move our tanks to an area, which we are heating with our diesel heater. I'm sure if you have a large power source one could easly attach 12 volt heating pads or even a water bubbler. -Mark
Thank you, Edward! We spent over 1 year determining what we needed for our adventures. Every time we get to use the setup, I appreciate all the time I spent bending and cutting all the pieces. What kind of setup do you have?
I know right! Our CVT roof top tent had one just not as big as this one. Amazing truck camper. I believe what most people don't get is that this is a Swiss army knife. You can buy a truck cap, or just a Roof Top Tent, and / or buy a fit kit and put them together, and now you have a truck cap camper. But wait, there's more! You can pick and choose what tent top you want to add. 1 over all products with multiple part options to build what you want. Just think how great that makes it even for resale! Fun stuff!
Very cool features! The propane heater, water tank, 12volt panel, and what looks like a more dust proof tail gate. Drool worthy! Weighs a couple hundred more pounds than my GFC, but if I can ditch my tailgate, I get some of that weight back. Lots to think about...
Definitely a all in one option with lots of choices based on everyone's individual needs. Yes, true ditch the tailgate and lose some extra weight. This AluCab is headed in directions no other manufacturers have gone. 2025 should see some big changes.😊
Awesome job, love seeing what can be done in a small vehicle. Removing seats in the back really opens up the space. Like you I didn't want to adjust my driver's seat so sleep on passenger side. Nice tip about using part of belt to open back storage area. I want to be able to do everything from inside the vehicle.
Oh thank you! I'm so happy you were able to find some tips useful! I agree...being able to access things from inside is nice. Safety and comfort from outside weather keeps me inside often. Thank you so much for watching and happy camping! ~Teresa 😊
Those vehicles are so cool, sad they stopped making them. I almost ended buying a used one but went with a newer vehicle and got a 4Runner. Just found your channel and subbed.
Oh, thank you! I agree the X was such a capable and affordable option. Maybe Nissan will have a change of heart and bring them back. I was looking at the 4Runners (such an awesome truck!), but sadly, I could not find one in my price range that wasn't very high miles or rusted out. ☹️ I'm happy you found a truck and are out there doing it! We need more women enjoying this style of adventure. Thanks for subscribing! 😊 ~Teresa