How Professional Homeowner Prepares For Mega Storm 

This guy is living my dream. All brand new nice stuff, big house, huge plot of property with trees and water. The guy has nowhere to be but at home managing his property and protecting his family. At least somebody escaped the system. Good on you man👍🏻

Urban East Coast guy here, we are not all from soft men, our family traces back to Jamestown, not the original pioneers but close enough in 1619...hoping to break free of this urban environment soon and move somewhere to enjoy a little more freedom. Love your videos Cody, and happy to see a freeman and his family prosper. God Bless.

One pro tip for your firewood operation. If you build cages on top of pallets and store your firewood in them. You could just pick em up with the forks and take them to your fireplace with the skidsteer. And that would mean less manual labour in the winter when its cold outside.

Get yourself a Stormy Kromer hat! Made in the upper peninsula of Michigan. They’re fleece lined with a wool outer.

You just showed me a picture of my dream life. Living out in the wilderness, on a river, heating with wood. Nice equipment to do what needs to be done, a beautiful shop space to store and work on everything. Maybe I'll get there. First I have to convince the Mrs. that this is better than life in suburbia! A few comments: I have this issue in winter in my garage too: dealing with water on the floor when all the vehicles come in covered in snow/slush. I think running a dehumidifier is a good idea, as I've had issues with the excess moisture in the air causing my tools to rust. The problem is a dehumidifier will only work down to about 40°F, so you'd have to keep the place heated at least a little bit. The ultimate solution, and you probably know this too, is to have floor drains and pitch the concrete to them. Then you could even wash stuff in there and get all the slush/salt off with a nice warm water spray. Also looks like you need a slightly bigger wood stove for the size of logs you're putting in there! Hopefully some day I'll achieve my dreams too! God bless from slightly less snowy Michigan.

You should get a large squegee mounted on a pole for the floor. Moves the standing water easily and with that woodstove the floor would dry up fast. Love my woodstove, especially when I can load it up with wood I was able to source for free.

Hey Cody, love that you're always preparing or being prepared for various situations. I take a lot of bits and pieces of information from each of these and apply it to my life. Thank you!

An inexpensive 20mm ammo can would be good for those chains. Even has a rubber seal to keep moisture out.

Worst repair I ever did roadside was a new alternator. Simple job, but for an East Coast man I was proud to not have to call a tow. Guess I could’ve avoided it all if I had Dual Alternators.

I was patiently waiting for, “Did I ever tell you this had dual alternators?”

"....and that's you!" jab at the begining, and the line about nothing worse than having another man tow you out in front of your wife had me lol'ing :) as always, I added a few more items to the To Buy/Research list after watching another entertaining and helpful video. -a fellow pro homeower in the great PNW!

Very nice house and workshop. Beautiful scenery as well. God bless you and your family 🙏

I jumped someone at the range the other day with that NOCO jump box you so highly praise. The car wouldn't take a jump from another vehicle and people were telling the guy he needed a tow. But I strolled in with the NOCO jump box and saved the day and got his car started. When the car started, I blurted out "Wranglerstar didn't steer me wrong". A few guys thought that was funny.

Loved the vibes in this video. Very pleasant and informative. Keep ‘em comin.

Hi Cody we run the same type of chains on our fire trucks here in BC and the cams are great. We tie back the extra links with baling wire. we use to take a inner tube and cut through the inner tube and then take the cross link hooks and use them to take up any slack. we now use the bunger cords that are made for snow chains.

Enjoyed watching. Hope mama kitty got all warmed up.

That whole West coast, East coast man thing, hilarious. 🤣 and nicely said.

“It’s amazing what you can do if you have to” pretty much sums up the toughness you described at the beginning. I’m from TN, but at some point all of our ancestors came from somewhere unless you’re 100% Native American. And they were already tough as nails.

Wow, that's a winter wonderland indeed! I went up to work on my NH mountain log cabin the other day and enjoyed the 9" of snow I found upon arrival but you guys are definitely blessed with the white stuff! Happy New Year!

God bless you and you and yours. That storm is heading to Texas for a small punch so I’ve been working my JR Pro Homeowner magic and I’ll tell you your teachings and videos are very helpful. Thank you sir.

Hey out there, nice to see preparation pay off. Love the road side repair stories about your grandfather. My family has a few of those between all the adventures we have had. Best one is still losing an alternator in the middle of New Hampshire in the dead of winter. We were driving back to MA after a day in the mountain, when the lights all dimmed in the Ford Chateau van we were in. My youngest brother was driving alerted us of the trouble and we quickly found an auto parts store down the road. Once there, my second youngest brother got the alternator and tools from the store while my oldest brother and me were disconnecting the old alternator. We had the new one installed in record time and got home with no further issues. To this day, no one in my family calls that incident a breakdown, because we were never stopped long enough for the engine to cool. Just another day.

Hey Cody, I agree that a good set of chains are worth their weight. Your last clip with the wood falling out of the stove reminded me of by dad. He started keeping a pair of stick welding gloves around the stove to put put on when adding to the fire or in case a small piece falls out. You can grab it and put it back in without an issue or burning your hands. Wishing you and yours a happy new year

Purhase Wranglerstar's Jacket HERE - amzn.to/3sHEODX (amazon affiate link)

Wow! Such KNOWLEDGE! THANK you!

The amount of tools, vehicles and toys you own just amazes me. Legendary.

Woodstove is my favorite item that I purchased for my house. As my grandpa would say they warm you twice 😂

Love the grandfather stories. Happy new year to you and your family.

Snow chain storage idea: does your truck have a spare wheel hung under the chassis? If it does, and the wheel is facing down, could you use it as a sort of trough to store the chains in? Also, when you build your new workshop, have you though about building a slight fall into the floor, towards the door for example, to make water management easier?

Your stories about fixing things on the side of the road, reminded me of the time I had to replace a cylinder head on my ford Bronco after the thermostat got stuck and cracked the head... all on the bank of a lake. Yes I did have to find a used head, at a local wrecking yard, but the clean up and install was all me, by myself. I ended up rebuilding the engine when I got back home... that was tough!!

In Sweden, we have the split wood in a wood shed near our wood boiler or wood stove. Easy to pick up when needed.

Man, i sure dig the way you talk about your grandad, it shows so much love and respect. That's the way! Have a great year! All the best from Portugal!

Reminds me of our New England winters Push shovels 2 stroke snow blowers Ice choppers Rock salt Fill up suvs cars gas cans for heavy storms We use oil for heating 2 back up fireplaces And back up propane for extended emergency

In the Midwest we call storms “Tuesday”

Hey Cody you should look into the decked system for your truck then you could have everything you need in the bed of your truck and still be able to use it like normal plus it would be locked up. Great video as always and I hope we get some of that snow here in Wyoming it seems like this year has been pretty mild.

The setup for that quick shot at 430 was amazing. I really appreciate your cinematography skills brother.

Had a buddy that had never run chains before and we had to chain up a uhaul to get to his new house and when I showed up as he had one side installed I told him he had to take the one off he just did to turn the chain over. Had the cross link rubbing into the tire. He learned and now chains his trucks up all the time. If you don't know you don't know. We always carry some bailing wire to tie up those floppy loose ends. Happy New Year to you and your family and thanks for showing those not aware how to install chains.

Will be installing a wood stove shortly to supplement heat,figured I might as well seeing how I started a fire wood business, might as well enjoy the fruits of my labor, and you aren't kidding about a workout, and people have not a clue how much work goes into processing firewood

There's something about a big snow storm that is enjoyable no matter the adversity! Thanks for all the great content and God bless from snowy MN!

What an incredible life brother. It’s awesome to see when a man puts in the work and reaps the rewards. Awesome 🙏🏼

Spent the afternoon last snowstorm and pulled 3 vehicles out of the ditch down the road from my home. The very best thing about living in the west is the weather. I am loving all this snow we have been getting lately. God bless.

I've been driving the big rigs for 48 years, funny about chains I have a T-handle hook for grabbing the inside tire side link so I don't have to lay down on the snow. Plus for my ford F-250 I went to the company shop and cut down a couple truck chains to fit the pickup, and I can drive though the deepest snow. Oh I love your channel it's the greatest.

isn't amazing how friendly a cat can be when it wants a fire lit!!!

Just a quick note to tell you I really enjoy your videos, guidance, experience and advice. haven't checked in on your stuff in a while. Thanks for doing what you do

Your homestead is a dream!! Iam working hard and diligently to set my family up as best I can while I still have time.. God bless ya

100% correct on everything you said about firewood. Killing it as always.

I was born in 87 and the only thing I've changed on the side of the road was an alternator. I know that's very ironic on this channel.😂

I have my chains, with cam locks (a must imo) in an ammo box. Works a treat. Keeps them dry and secure until needed.

Amen on the fire wood benefits. Taught my girls the same lessons along with a work ethic to go with it. Don't need a gym membership either.;)

1) Skid Loader is badass 2) Love seeing the longer videos. Sometimes those 10-12 minute ones just leave something to be desired. I’ll watch either way, love your content. 3) You need a squeegee for the shop floor 🤣

Question for you.... What brand are those chains? Also, do you have the part number as well? They look super heavy duty and will fit my Super Duty just right. Also, my grandfather had an old F100 as his work truck. He had hooks welded to the rear bumper about 1 every foot across. That truck would end up in some super muddy construction sites. He would hang the chains across the rear bumper. They were always there when he needed them.

Young Cody, I am always reminded that Australia was opened up by two wheel drives. And when I was a kid, if dad got stuck we all got out and pushed. No fancy four wheel drive back then, much less traction control and snow mode and all them fancy things.

Ever since you first presented the upside down fire, I have been building it that way at home and it has made a world of a difference!

Any info/link on those tire chains would be appreciated. Keep up the great videos Sir!

“Goodness that’s not dangerous” made me laugh.

I love the welcome Master on your cat

“Cordwood… This is what freedom looks like. That’s why they want your wood stoves.” I don’t know why but that made me laugh! Love it Cody.

Interesting, I believe the eastern men felt the obligation to remain in the east and make sure their extended family survived instead of running to the west where they only had themselves to care for. Different strokes for different folks but I have never felt bad helping family.

Awesome to hear stories of you and your grandpa elk hunting! I grew up elk hunting in eastern Oregon heppner/Ukiah units still manage to make it out there each year!

My old 1971 Ford F250 had a storage compartment from the factory. It was in the dead space under the bed, just ahead of the rear wheel.. It was great for storing straps and chains.... and of course, extra oil for that 390 under the hood! Ive actually thought about the possibility of finding, or making storage box running boards for such items. They could reach under the cab, all the way to the frame to allow for some pretty good storage, and a lot of trucks already have running boards, so it would not look out of place.

Hey Cody, that’s a great idea for a safe way to store your chains. I work in custom precision sheet metal fabrication, primarily in the CNC forming department. If you come up with a design, I’d love to fully fabricate it for you.

Cody you actually made me laugh with your comment of the "less than hardy folks stayed back east and that's YOU", directed to the criticism. Perfect! How dare they use the Lord's name in vain referring to your homestead as a God Forsaken place. I'm seeing a God blesssed land! Keep doing exactly what you do Sir! Love it!

Thank you for sharing and instructing.

Another great video! There's nothing that compares to the comfort and warmth that a wood stove provides. The cat knows... The closing music sounds a lot like George Winston, one of my favorites! Thanks again for your content and Happy New Year from NC.

What state is this?

We got snow and ice coming in tonight. It was 55 today. So I got wood to the front porch, gas tanks full, Christmas lights down, plow mounted on quad runner, shovels and food pantry is always stocked up.

boy am i jealous. all we got on the east coast is a bunch of rain. Love the snow!

Happy New Year Cody, to you and your family from myself and my family here in Slovenia!

I always love to hear the stories about your grandad.

When you build your new shop (or do it to your existing) add a lean-to off the back for firewood storage so you're not fighting the snow

Helpful video. Thank you

great stories! thanks for sharing!

Snow looks beautiful.

Hello Cody I have a similar story of an old WWII vet a good friend knew when he worked at a dealership. The gentleman spin a rod bearing on a long trip and used his thick leather belt to make a bearing and finished the trip. Like you said it’s amazing what you can do when your forced to. Be safe.

Beautiful landscape

Thanks!!!

It noticeable how much you enjoy preparing

i love that i keep seeing more fjallraven stuff being rocked by people instead of north face etc. i was a huge north face guy for the longest time but in recent years its been more about fashion than anything. i have a fjallraven greenland jacket and it is so warm and fits me much better than any other north face winter jacket ive had and ive had quite a few of them. i treated it with their wax that they sell. sure its expensive but its worth every penny and i get compliments all the time on it. my heritage is norwegian and swedish so i get the fizz from that as well.

Love auto bucket tool engagement, used have get out of the machine to engage lock bucket in place on older rigs ,by hand, definitely worth having a skid steer for homestead

We are just now getting in to our snow weather……love it ! ☃️

Those are nice chains. Very similar to what we run on semi's in snow and ice. Be safe everyone, and be sure to read the road and know when to pull over and chain up. Safety over speed is sometimes the better.

God Bless you and thank you for this years videos. See you in the new year.

Love your videos. God bless you & Happy New Year.

If you want a comfortable cap that will pull down over your ears try a Stormy Kromer

I am a Mayflower & Jamestown family. We are hardworking, long living, hardy family!

Hi Cody let me please get ahead of the storm and wish you and your wonderful family a fantastic new year and all the blessings life has to give

1:46 "The least brave, the least hardy remained and that's you!" Followed by don't forget hit the thumbs up! Pure comedy gold 🤣 🥇

I love your sense of preparedness, which is akin to my own. My family doesn't get it, but they appreciate it when I've "already thought about it" and come to the rescue for them. The military taught me the 6 P's- Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance.

Thanks for another great film ! :)

I love the story of your grandpa with the 2wd truck. Love your videos!

I use the Builtright molle panels in my truck bed and strap everything to them (including my tire chains). Make sure it works with your camper first. Is really be interested in a video with a chain storage solution mounted under the truck!

That sure is a beautiful piece of land you have. Thank you for taking the extra time to show us the scenery.

The thing about wood burning fireplace is it always warms you at least twice

East coast man here I'm so jealous of all the snow. Not all of us are afraid of a challenge, Cody I appreciate every video you make. I love hearing your stories, kinda makes me wish I lived way before my time.

So entertaining and informative - as always. Happy New Year Cody, to you and yours.

To clean the garage floor in the winter, I use snow for sweeping compound. soaks up the slop, & use a squeegee, if the slop is to much.

I have to say your videography on these is epic…it’s like we are right there with you…nice work!😎

Happy New Year

Hi from Scotland

Thanks for showing the the way you start your fires.

What a beautiful place you have, being a photographer, I could spend hours just by the stream. I'm east coaster and my favorite times are in or near the mountains. The snow makes such a beautiful setting. Thanks for letting us enjoy what you live with every day. God Bless