Hey guys. I was wondering how you guys were fairing? I hope you both are in great health and happy. Great video as usual. It looks you both are settling in nicely in the new rig. A couple of observations if I may. 1. Inside the truck does seem loud, at least on my end. 2. I have the same dehumidifier. 3. Is the condensation worse without running the dehumidifier? 4. What kind of gas mileage are you getting? 5. Your coffee maker is huge what else does it do? 6. Where are you both heading to?
Too much work for a temp stop......yes, it may take time.....but I'm getting the vibes that this is not gonna work out. Van life seemed to be much more convenient and fun.
Wow, great video you two, I love how you presented this one! I also like how you’re continually reinventing yourselves, without trying to be like everyone else (and it’s been this way since the start ;)! Cheers 🥂
We purchased a single rear wheel F350 because we were sure that we would get an Arctic Fox truck camper when we downsized. We LOVED our 4wd F350. When the time came to downsize from our 30’ travel trailer, we decided we didn’t want the hassle of loading and unloading a truck camper. We liked the narrower and shorter profile of a class B. We liked being able to step directly from the driver seat to the coffee pot. We took a hit financially when we traded in a rig with 20,000 miles on it. But I think we are going to like the agility of our Class B(Travato 59GL)
GOTTA love her! How on Earth could you make it, full-time, in vans and THIS - even WITH all the RU-vid and sponsor money you're making - if you didn't love her. Of course, you do take some serious China-sized breaks. My wife and I made it 6 months full-time in our Hymer ... BAD for our marriage!
I respect everyone’s rig decisions, but it felt as though you spent much of the video explaining the negatives of this choice...noisy, no pass thru, frustrating storage, awkward pop top, difficult entry/exit, takes longer to pack up. What were your main positives in making this choice?
The pop up looks like a pain in the neck. It looks pretty slick when down and not as much drag, but it would be a hard top for me for sure. Happy camping. Looking forward to seeing your travels.
What commenters are forgetting is that they are doing this for us and them. As with many they are using their lives to show and tell different things from porta potties to trucks. Their suffering so to speak let's us see both sides. A big hug and thank you from me.
People were meant to do lots of moving around, doing maintenance and fixing things - it keeps us in shape physically and mentally. Now, as the decades pass, adaptations are made, but keep doing whatever you can!
Hi Kate and Joe. The condensation is coming from your breathing, about 900 millilitres at night. You need to vent and heat the camper at night (for example, a 2 by 3 inch opening and low heat). Or use an exhaust fan on low. Good to keep outside air flow for safety, anyways. The water is going to get everywhere, and this de-laminates particle board, and mould grows in open foam mattresses etc. Seen one too many black mould campers.
👍FIRST FIRST FORST GLOVES.🙏 👍You guys have always been a great example of how couples can be patient, respectful, kind and considerate of each other .I love how you guys seem to be more relaxed and affectionate (and say more endearing words) towards each other. Wishing you guys the best. 🤗💞🤗
I agree. This layout would not work for us at all. I follow another channel that uses this same setup, and it just seems like too much work for too much money. To each their own, I guess
I like the idea of a pop top. The road noise is very noticeable. But the deal breaker for me is no pass through. I just would not feel comfortable in such a camper.
Wow, many thanks for this kind of video. It really gives a good impression of how it is living in a FWC. Please, keep it up, showing the good and the bad, keep it realistic. There are already more than enough shiny "life on the road is so super amazing and we only stay in the most beautiful places" channels around. I am going back and forth with getting my own camper solution and your videos are so helpful, thank you for that. 🙏 _cR
Very interesting camper option. I think it could be fun as a weekend camper but for me it would not work for full time. I appreciate you showing both it’s good points and the ones that need need a little adjusting to.
It is for sure if Katy had to (or wanted to) she could live this life style successfully by herself. She seems to do most of the chores herself. I have no doubt she could film and do everything else very by herself.
We have 3 winters living in the biggest FWC, flat bed Grandby on F350 with 6.7 diesel. Many mods to address issues: noise in truck-- install Hushmat (Dynamat) under vinyl floor. Storage: build drawer units for cubbies and underseats. (For rough offroad, install magnets and plates to hold seats and backs in.) Pushup bar over bed is a pain, we replaced with a different loop and hook on a stick. All windows and vents have Reflectix covers on magnet or Velcro fasteners. Added Perspex second pane to main window. Complete Reflectix folding insulation between vinyl popup and Arctic Pack (warmer, quieter). 12V computer fans with speed control for night time ventilation. Replace ceiling strips with strips of Aerogel covered with screen moulding (helps with thermal bridging, still a bit wet but no frost anymore), rewired all lights to add 2 continuous dimmable warm LED strips North South. Removable counter between kitchen and battery box. Fullsize faucet and sink.WHY??? Because we just went to Death Valley and drove 30 km in 4WD to Marble Canyon trailhead, among many many other places only available with a big strong 4WD camper we can live in 5 months of the year. Best equivalent to Eurocampers for 1/4 cost of Earthcruiser. We get 18mpg (Scangauge) on highway, 4-8mpg offroad 4WD Hi, aired down.
Praying your safe and hunkered down waiting out Covid 19, and I wanted to mention your channel is a huge part of why I investigated the Berkey Company and I purchased the Royal a couple months ago😁👍🏻
Good time to own a Berkey - yes, we're safe and sound. If you'd like updated, head over to our website weretherussos.com and sign-up for the newsletter. Thank you for your prayers!
Loved this video! Straight up & raw. Showing how you don’t have things completely figured out just yet but working through it. No matter the rig, NONE of them are perfect. See what the naysayers think when you guys are in a remote area in the back country, totally secluded with a beautiful view 🙌🏽🙌🏽 I love Leo & the camper. 😊 Thanks for sharing
How about a hitch basket for the back. Kait can stand on it to work the clips. You can put outside stuff like firewood and fuel or anything temporary on it. If you get a fold up one then when not in use you fold it up out of the way. I have even put my bicycles on them, garbage, a cooler for drinks a storage box. Most of us beach campers use them, because we always have more stuff going out than going off the beach.
I'm watching this out of order but this looks like a fun rig & Kait looks so cute in her hat!! it won't take long before you guys get a routine so that some tasks will be so automatic that you won't notice and also where things are best stored. I'm a coffee Addict too but it's reality that the equipment has to be downsized for the size of the space. Also Kait is an angel for putting up with such a large appliance taking up that much precious space. I choked down a tear when you said the truck's name.
Don't listen to all the negative people, this is your third rig and each one was different. I've enjoyed watching you guys from the class A to the B and now this off road beast that can go virtually anywhere. In a couple years your wants and dreams will change and so will your rig and that's what keeps it fresh. Have fun, enjoy your life and let all the miserable people figure out their own "perfect rig".
Thank you 808 - really appreciate that note. We've gotten to a point where the negativity kind of washes over us but it's always great to get comments like yours and know people still get it...even if it's maybe not for them.
I cant stop drooling over this set up! I went from a van to truck camper too. Van was cool but its gets old having to deal with campgrounds and be on paved roads. This set up you can primitive camp where vans simply cant go. Primitive camping allows you to turn up the music, let the dog off leash, stay on beaches in Baja or the cliffs above Zion all alone and surround by nature. Also, its good to get the blood flowing a little after a long drive, even if its just a few latches and moving a couple things a couple feet, your blood clots will thank you. Looking forward to your adventures and feel free to hit me up for some really remote spots from Baja to Utah. Rock on!
This camper setup with diesel noise looks like a hassle & pain in the butt. No way that’s a long term camper. Too many ways to get hurt/break your back.
Maybe more suitable to a summer overland vacation. It does ride high indeed. Price to pay for the high ground clearance. I need 3 steps to get into mine so this is twice as many. I still find it to be a great looking rig when one likes TC's.
Wow I can't believe all the negative comments on the rig! My husband and I have a pop up truck camper and we absolutely love it. Yes it is not for everyone but they are still amazing campers. Absolutely love the video and the rig ❤
Thank you for sharing your experiences with this truck camper! Every camper does take time to get used to. But, there seems to be at least a few more sacrifices and a few more inconveniences compared to a class B. As you say though, each of us much make that decision based on needs, preferences, and trade-offs, and you made the best one for you guys.
Reading the comments below, as you can readily tell, there is no "one size fits all". People tend to judge others based on their desires and needs. Personally I wish you guys all the best. I have followed you thru the Bay Start days, then a series of vans and now a truck camper. Lost in all of this is the fact that you are out there living your dream. I respect that and I respect the fact that you were able to deal with changes in your personal requirements and went with what is best for you...Congrats. my needs haven't changed so I will stay with my class A DP. If anything I will switch from a 2015 to a 2021, as soon as they are available.
Thanks Rory for the support and understanding. It’s been fun having you along with us this long. Always good to see a comment from you. Stay safe out there!
All the negative comments below...well even if not the right choice for them, I can hear the positive vibes in both of your voices and you made the right choice for YOU!!! Much respect to Kate for getting right in there and just doing it! New subscriber here and now I have to go back and watch your videos to see the transition! Keep on truckin' Russos ;-)
Get an extension pole with a hook for latching and unlatching the top of the camper. Keep it in the cab for easy access. Save Kait from slipping or worse falling. I think you will find compartmentalizing the items like your coffee items and doing one more step to put those favorites or often used items up front in the cab for quick access and take back into the camper once you get to your interim or final destination. Happy trails!
You two set a good example for how to minimize belongings & only carry essential items. It's eye opening to see how little we truly need...I have waaaay too much stuff!
You’ll get things worked out. As you know, it takes time to get things situated to how they work best in a new setting. Praying for you guys...safe travels! (Jane O.) Great video.❤️
Man, love you guys and your channel and have been following for years. Gotta be honest, not a huge fan of this camper, but will continue to support you guys in you journey. I will say that I hope there's a van in your future. :)
I don't know what my hold back I have been seeing you on my recom, I really love your dynamics. It's genuine and not exaggerated like most van lifers. Great rig :)
Ah people get off their other vehicle. They’ve said time and time again this works for them yet still half the comments are people telling them what THEIR preference is. Who cares? Lol it’s not yours. The content is not changing and it’s actually more fun to see them work through a new rig. Even though this type of camper isn’t for me I don’t have to keep regurgitating the same comment pouting about I don’t like it. I really enjoyed this episode. It’s a damn shame we’re in a state of panic that things have slowed down for a lot of people I follow. I hope this countrywide panic and silliness stops soon so we can get back to our daily grind. Russo’s! Blessings to you both, stay safe and always looking forward to your content my friends
i think i prefer the van more than the camper. the insulation inside the camper is not as good and the setup and pack away is inconvenient, and it also seems more cramped in there and there sure is alot more work and things to think about before you have to just go and drive. and eventually the noise from the diesel engine would drive me crazy. I'm sooooo GRATEFUL that you guys are doing these videos! they're very informative. I get to see what it's like to live inside one of these things. THANK YOU so much! I really appreciate how informative and educational your videos are for people who are interested in joining the lifestyle.
Update from back when they first started..... after me looking for my own rv ie class b or this; i can seriously understand why they chose this set up. You guys rock Joe and Kait WTR !!!!!!!
Seems as though the setup you have takes alot more getting used to than the van conversions you have tested recently, mundane things seem to be more complicated and the setup time can become tedious in a living on the road scenario, hope you get everything figured out
i just started watching your videos, and they've motivated me to start chatting with the wife about more traveling and camping. Thanks for the inspiration. Will
Joe and Kait, just looking at the comments, I’d say they are mostly negative on the switch to a FWC rig. (Not me, I love FWC, and want to buy one eventually!😁). However the mostly negative comments can be easily explained, as the intended users of FWC and Class A/B are completely different animals. I think the viewership you developed with your previous shows are disciples of Class A/B vehicles, and they are expecting to see you carry on with that trend. FWC users and similar vehicles are more than likely to be used in rougher off road conditions, where Class A/B could never go. The users of FWC are more adventurous than Class A/B users. This latter group seem to be retirees, that want every creature comfort known to mankind, with no hassles at all in their lifestyle. FWC users are more adventurers, hikers, mt. bikers, rock climbers, trail runners, and outdoor photographers, and the like. I think you will have to develop a whole new viewing audience with the FWC!
Joe and Kait, not to “beat a dead horse”, to continue my previous post, I see your RU-vid channel fitting between the “Explorations with the Ski3pins” ski3pin.blogspot.com/), and “Bound for Nowhere” (www.boundfornowhere.com/). This blog and RU-vid channel of two couples, the former older than you, and the latter younger than you “sandwich” the Handsome Joe and the Lovely Kait (I assume you two are somewhere in the middle). I think your activities and new audience may lie between these blog/vlogs. But the underlying theme is adventure, away from the pavement (although not always). Good luck!👍😁
This is why they make sooo many different types of RVs. Everybody has different tolerances and desires. I lived in my Lance 1172 truck camper for awhile and everybody kept asking me, "how can you do that"? Now I live in a Luxury fifth wheel and I still have people asking me the same question. Everything is not for everybody. I still have my Lance camper by the way. That way I can go to those smaller places.
I lived in a small sailboat (28 feet) for years and often had people ask the same questions regarding my living condition. Well you wont know unless you try it i would say. The advantage with the boat was that there was a dedicated areas for all functions, including an enclosed head, galley area and berth. Storage nooks and crannies everywhere. This is more to my point, so the idea of a class b with dedicated areas is closer to my comfort than an open plan. Cheers and i look forward to your adventures!
Wait, we're actually going to live in this rig! Haahaa....you'll settle in. Love my poptop in great outdoor environments. use the space above your sink for good shelves
Yep, been there, done that. Stuff shuffle. Love hate relationship with my Hawk. I learned quickly to tell people politely: Every camper is a compromise.” It’s interesting your “choice” reasons are so similar to mine and probably for many truck/camper owners. Give it time to adjust. You guys are pros by now at making things work.
I'm an inch away from turning 60 years old. It's too much work for me to compromise. I love the truck I think I'll be happy with hard sided truck camper like Cirrus 720 on the F350 or even F450. Great video!
james c The propane heater actually adds to the condensation. Running a dehumidifier like Kait mentioned would help, but it eats into the battery. Cracking a vent helps, but the propane isn’t as effective. Even with these problems, propane is the most efficient heat source. It’s just a trade off that has to be made in cooler climates.
I didn’t see anything on their heat system but I would think it is an exhausted propane set up which would mean it was a dry heat.so it shouldn’t put off any moisture. I mean it would be pretty stupid if the company didn’t put a standard camper heating system.
Stay safe. Try using a large squirt bottle with warm water to wash your backside,if you run out of toilet paper. A portable Bidet. Much cleaner than paper. Good luck my friends.
Love the camper! I am selling my 4 season travel trailer and downsizing to a popup truck camper. No perfect camper out there, however, choosing the best for my travels. We always crack open our fan above bed to let air and condensation out. Stopped all the condensation problems. Still run heat or a/c with vent open. No more condensation. Try it, may work for you.
Thanks for giving all of us hope that we have a traveling future!! We so want to experience the travel you've shared with all of us and are hoping we will have that opportunity soon. Glad you are with family and staying safe so you can continue to share your lives and travels with us!!
We had a 4 Wheel Pop-Up camper for over 10 years. Once we set things up in a place, we were pretty much settled until we moved on to the next stop. We did have slide windows for the windows between the camper and our F150 cab so that we could access the cab from the camper. We could reach (and an occasionally slide through) to get items in the cab. I don't know how feasible or desirable this might be with the truck that you have.
I laughed when Kait said "NO!" to Joe's question, "You're going to wash your hands, right?" (After dumping the cassette toilet.) Ha! You got to love a woman who has a sure grasp of what she will, or will not do! No one pushes Kait around! ;-)
@@Weretherussos Thanks you guys for being so real in this vid. My wife and I understand...we've been in our Four Wheel Pop Up Camper now for almost a year. Same feelings at first, but then it happens: That magical moment when you wake up next to that secluded river with the wind blowing through those windows and you realized you just had the best night's sleep of you life. You will absolutely fall in love with this camper. My money is on y'all in this thing for life. Nice rig! Enjoy!
Watch your stairs. I had mine stolen from my camper while parked in a small town without my door locked. I was only parked at a McDonald's for about 15 minutes!
Sorry but I love the van better. I drive a Tacoma and I find it difficult in many ways even though it’s a handy truck but better as an over lander but I don’t have a rooftop tent. 100 percent want a van for pass through from driving more comfy sleeping stretched out(Tacoma short bed btw) shower stove tv etc all easier in van and I hear ya can get 4wd vans now so yeah I’m headed that way
Suggestion for your pass-thru dilemma: When I was a youngster, my dad made a canvas pass-thru. The small camper window above the bed step and the rear truck window were removed. The canvas was installed with snaps like a boat cover. The space between the truck and camper was cold/sound insulated by an inflated tire tube which surrounded the canvas structure between the units. This was done because two of us five little boys had to sleep on the truck seats at night.
I am so laughing. 45 degrees and 48% humidity and you turn the dehumidifier on. Right now it is 9PM, it is 41 degrees and 96% humidity. Well really it is 5 degrees C, I converted it for you. Welcome to the West Coast of Canada where you don't need webbing between your toes, but it sure helps haha. 48%, I would have to start with skin moisturizer at the level. ; ) It will be interesting to see how you finally wind up having everything organised. Give it time. Every thing in its place and a place for everything, Stay safe guys.
I would think that the constant setting up of the camper would get old after awhile. The constant moving of bedding and such would too. But to help you - maybe on travel days you could make prepare something in the morning and be able to grab it at lunch without lifting the roof. You definitely will be getting a workout with this camper, almost as much work as if you were tent camping. Good Luck!!
This set up is more for like taking some dirtbikes,4wheelers and a couple cases of beer up in the mountains for a 3 day weekend, pop the top once leave it parked and pack it up when you head home
Why oh why did you buy that ??? Lovely couple done some fantastic videos over the years but think you made huge mistake on that purchase. Can’t see you lasting long with that
I agree. They won't last long in that small cramped box. Everything is inconvenient, and it will wear on them soon. They just got sucked into it by that company telling them it was the latest cool truck camper. But there is nothing cool about it.
Scrolling through the comments I see that a lot of people do not agree with choices you made. I’m entertained by people feeling obligated to judge your choices! By the way, I do agree. I chose an FWC and have not had one moment of regret. Everyone has an opinion. I’m happy that the RV marketplace has enough variety so that each of us can find a solution which suits what we want to do and where we want to go.
Thank you Galard - really appreciate the comment. It's surprising to us as well. We can completely understand our choice doesn't work for a lot of people but we're amazed how many people feel the need to tell us what we did wrong and what is better for us.
Honestly, don't know why you didn't go with a Travato 59K or the like, so much more "in tune" with your needs. Don't see this working out for you guys long term. Lots to do each time you stop and start. So much noise in the cab. The Promaster rides quiet. The road noise in your cab sounds like it would wear on you. Also, too much work.
I like the idea of having a checklist and developing habits, like never leaving your keys hanging in the outside door lock while you raise the pop-up. No response needed. I love the video and your new rig. :-)
@@Weretherussos Are you saying that in defiance, or is that TRULY how you feel? PS: I LOVED that Black Class B that you had, and I was VERY shocked that you chose this diesel camper, after all the other RV's that you had the privilege of using and road testing. Note: Hey Joe, I don't feel that Kait is happy about this no pass-thru noisy uncomfortable small diesel camper, but she is a loving die-hard wife, so she won't hurt your feelings by admitting it.
Just wanted to thank you both. Enjoyed the video. You all be safe and thanks for the road trip as I sit on the porch drinking coffee and looking at my bug out bus. E350 ford. See u on the road perhaps.
Enjoy all your videos. Don't see how this noisy, clunky, truck camper, is going to work. You won't be putting on any weight. Great workout every time you get out of the cab. Good luck with all.
We have a 1999 shuttle bus with a Ford E450 chassis with the same engine. We did heat and sound deadening material and it made a huge difference. Before the insulation we could barely hold a conversation, afterward we were chatting in our normal tone. I would highly recommend adding some.
@@Weretherussos We removed the seats, console, and the carpet and put it all through out the cab and as high up on the firewall as we could, as well as inside the doghouse (because it's a van chassis). This was the stuff we used, but you can also get some with a glued on backing. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016QUS82E/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It’s always a trade off, no matter what rig you have. We are waiting for our class B to be made. We traded in a 21’ travel trailer, we will also have a learning curve to deal with. Our hardest thing will be having to drive the class B everywhere we go. Glad to see you back out there. Stay healthy and safe.
I think your new rig will shine when you hit the rough roads that lead to the best places!😁 I’m in a Northstar hardtop and it’s the perfect rig for me.... more comforts, accessible storage, and less work but you have more mobility. You have everything you really need to be comfortable and you know what works for you. I think with the pop up, condensation will be your biggest challenge...just more effort to keep it dry. Can’t help you more than you already know… ventilation, ventilation, ventilation! Crack vents no matter what the temps are and use rechargeable fans, and open cabinet doors when it’s really cold. Stay safe and am looking forward to your tweaks and travels!
I was also surprised about that. Diesel heaters are used almost predominately in marine environments as the don't add condensation but actually remove it. Yes, the clicking fuel pump is annoying, some worse than others, but propane heaters make a racket too.
Good to see you are adjusting to the truck camper. We have a older Lance hard side truck camper. We also get condensation on the vent above the bed when it's cold outside. Looking forward to seeing more videos once the virus clears up.
At the beginning, everything will be challenging,. And a lot of negative point will show up, but there is a lot of benefit too. Fuel economy, off road capability, less space constrain, relatability.
There is always a learning curve but you will have some exciting adventures Im sure once the world gets back to some normalcy. Stay well. Enjoy your new home.
I'm so glad you're getting comfortable in your new home. I think it would be great for a weekend but living fulltime in it made me feel claustrophobic just watching the video. But we live in a 40 ft. class A so it would seem crowded. The lack of privacy for the toilet would be a dealbreaker. But you love it and you will have so much fun in it. Enjoy.
Yeah I can imagine it would be! We started with a 30' Class A and can't imagine going back to something that big. Since we like to move around a lot, being smaller is so much better.
Great video. I love the Four Wheel Camper. I appreciate hearing about the condensation and tips and solutions. I think you are going to have a fantastic time in this...the beautiful places you will see and camp at. Stay healthy!
Have you considered using a diesel heater instead of propane. I hear they last a lot longer for a little fuel and might help with the condensation issues too
FWC Tips we found helpful: 1. Air flow important to help with condensation (although not much can be done in humid/wet conditions). We would leave the roof vent cracked open 1-2" and lower turn buckle flap door open. That would allow the air to travel bottom to top of camper and significantly reduced moisture inside. 2. Water filtration. Get rid of bulky Berkey. Check out : rvwaterfilterstore.com - Want to filter water going into tank and filter before faucet. Then you can get water nearly anywhere and less stuff to move about inside. 3. Check out AeroPress - Coffee maker. It does a great job. Little clean up. Less stuff to carry. Crazy compact.
Thanks guys - good tips and thanks for the link. Since we've been on the road for about 5 years now, we're down to the essentials and things we love and won't go without. We love the Berkey and don't find it bulky plus it allows us to fill water from any source...when we boondock we'll fill up from nearby streams, etc. Great when you don't have access to a hose bib. We also have a AeroPress but not as big a fan of that compared to the pour over...plus all things considered they take up about the same amount of room.
I really appreciate seeing the day-to-day life of living on the road full time. One day, I'll be out there too! Until then, I'll live vicariously through you two.
