for me...The Good 'Thing' about Camping in 'Cooler'..Fall/Winter Weather...is there are NO Mosquito's!! lol!...Great Tips On Staying WARM!!...Thanks From Canada!
I lived in a minivan in Colorado for 6 yrs and I used my army sleeping bag during the winter. The coldest was -4 degrees. Took 5 to 10 min to get warm. It actually got hot in the middle of the night.
Go to a sewing shop that sells cloth and buy you some fleece. Lay in it like a taco shell and it will keep you warmer with your sleeping bag on those really cold nights.
Another product idea at the fabric stores for a warmer night sleep is a product called Insul-brite. This is the stuff that they make hot pads out of. Great for reflecting heat. I cut a piece the length of my sleeping pad and slept on that. Layer it on top of my sleeping pad and under my sleeping bag. Your body heat stays with you the whole night and if you have a blow up pad, it keeps the warm air warmer longer inside it.
Another cold weather camping tip, is to add a hot water bottle in the bottom of your sleeping bag before you get in it. Warms up the bag, keeps your feet warm all night and then you have un frozen water to start your breakfast/coffee. Also turn your water bottles upside down during sub freezing temps. Water freezes at the top and when upside down the cap stays unfrozen.
chlebowg I use this method when boondocking. . Boil the kettle, make a cup of tea or hot chocolate before bed, fill a couple of water bottles with boiling water and shove them in a pair of socks. One for my back and one for my feet. Works great. Lasts most of the night.
Good stuff bro. I'm a traveling contractor and travel quite a bit in my F150. I decided to convert the back of my crew cab into a sleeper compartment to save on lodging costs. Reflectix window insulation, a 0 degree sleeping bag and good quality wool clothing has been a godsend in the cold, besides that a good micro-stove to boil water for coffee/cocoa/tea and I'm good down to -20 which we get quite a bit in these northern winters.
This was informative. I’ve been power watching your videos and am not sure why I am so fascinated by them. I think it is for two reasons. You remind me of my youngest who is a power fisherman and now out of the house. We always had fishing gear in the trunk and would stop anywhere there was a drop of water. Secondly I think it is due to your camping style that is relaxed, simplified and adaptable to changing conditions. There is not an abundance of expensive high tech gear just practical, affordable, readily accessible stuff. That is how I like to camp. In my state we have multiple awesome, quiet places to go that most people will never see as they don’t look beyond the insanely crowded (albeit gorgeous) national parks. Your videos help me de-stress after a long day of work. Thanks!
I used the reflective layer for my windows all year summer winter fall spring. I cut them to fit my windows perfectly then cut my black ojt curtains to fit the shape then glued it onto the window side but not the inside part. It helps keep the interior cooler
Your channel has been a big help and fun to watch. Our son uses a wheelchair, but we’ve been really unhappy with out wheelchair van. We just traded for a Tundra with cap. We don’t plan on camping in it, but it’s going to be used for rest breaks and for spending time in at the beach. This channel has given me lots of tips and motivation to make our truck work for us. Thanks!
You can obtain nichrome wire to create custom heating sources. More wire length = more resistance and lower current draw. More wires in parallel = less resistance and more current draw. Current = voltage ÷ resistance in ohms. Power = current x voltage. You can also get pwm dc control modules to control current draw. It's all inexpensive stuff from eBay so it's economical enough to experiment with. Everyone has their own needs. My toes have always gotten cold easily, so that's an area I need to focus power on. You can also heat shoes with a small light bulb. Possibly two bulbs in series - one for each shoe might be enough to take the chill off them as well as dry the interior out. I still have a couple of old jone pocket hand warmers that run on lighter fluid. I don't know if they're still made or if there's another brand now. No electrical power needed for those. Just so people know, a single candle flame creates heat equal to 100 watts of electrical power according to info I found somewhere. It's up to individuals as to safety and desirability. Lastly, and this is to be used in an emergency since it's technically stealing, I've spotted 120 volt power outlets on the occasional parking lot lamp pole. I've also taken notice of outlets on store exteriors. Always use with due caution and discretion of course, and probably only in an emergency. I even saw power outlets on a post at each parking spot in a northern New York town as a service to people who have engine block heaters. At least that was legal to use.
I’m essentially the same. Cut to specific shape reflective insulation from Homer’s, kept in place with Velcro. Buddy heater and CO2 detector for safety. The BH is kept on the lowest setting possible and keeps me warm enough and also help to prolong fuel expenditure. Front shell window also remains slightly open. Finally, I also keep a good supply of moving blankets obtained from Harbor Freight on the cheap! 2019 F150 supercab with ARE shell w/ bedrug liner! When necessary, I also use my Harbor Freight Predator 2000 Inverter generator for electric. Secured with thick chain (to an equally thick tree when possible) and a matching pad lock!
This pumps me up for my upcoming trip out West. I’ll be using all these tricks. I’ll also be bringing a Honda genny. I think the battery box was the video that got me subscribed.
I once built a campervan, I camped over Christmas a few years ago in the Scottish highlands. I just used to make a hot water bottle and put it in my sleeping bag with me. It would last most of the night and I camped in about -10 Celsius.
Its always so awesome to read a comment like this from someone so far away doing rad adventures! I'm currently working on a better battery and some solar so I can run some kind of heated blanket.
I learned this that weather tech will match each of your windows with visors exactly. In fact, I bought some and love them . I got it from watching car camping. I enjoyed this. thanks
Great ideas, I would like a "high rise" shell with a roof top crank open vent (condensation) personally. Look into a physically small solar panel with a good output to charge the "battery box" or even a 12volt deep cycle, roof top mount of course. You seem like a good guy to figure that out, truck works looks great! Really got some good ideas, thanks and enjoy.
My cheap chinese diesel heater has saved me numerous times up in Northern wisconsin... . Im happy to see more and more ppl setting up their rigs. Cheers
Back when I could only afford to either tent camp or sleep in my Toyota Tacoma long bed, I found that the relative "water-proofness" of the truck shell worked only at the loss of space. So, I packed a tent anyway to put gear in at whatever site I got and used it for doing things that required standing up or sitting in a chair. When it was raining, I slept in the truck camper and if the tent leaked some, no prob! If I had to run into town for beer, I mean MILK!, the tent would hold the campsite. Cool both ways.
I love the truck, looks great to me, really tough and not too flashy. Channel is also great. Totally down to earth and you've inspired me to give it a-go!
I'm a trucker and I currently use my down comforter and I'm good down to the low 20s. I had an electric blanket twice and it was super comfortable but they both broke right away. They got dead spots. My advice is get a better quality Electric blanket.
Nice set up. I use a Olympian wave three propane heater. It's a little dryer heat compared to the buddy. I also have a jackery battery pack and I have used a 12 volt blanket and it worked well but drains the battery quit a bit so that my last option. Thanks for sharing.
@@CrazyQuady I started out with the, jackery 240 www.amazon.com/dp/B07D29QNMJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_RcyNFbTMGQX5E?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 And it has never let me down with my power needs. I also purchased the solar panel.
Super cool, I been camping out of the back of my 01 Z71. The whole inside of the bed is rhino sprayed, I like how you made up the bed section, that is cool. I'll be watching for more. Appreciate you sharing, happy camping
Nice video, I like cold weather camping in my truck too. I just got back from a trip to the Eastern Sierra Range near June Lake, California where it was 17* at night. I use a Browning McKinley 0* sleeping bag. Reasonable price @ $120 on Amazon. Slept like a baby. While you are set up for an electric blanket, many may not be and this is a good option. Keep up the good videos.
Also 2 thumbs up on your CB antenna. I do hope you have a free band radio. I have a RCI CB with a Sirio antenna through the roof. Sometime in the future I will get the reflectx and glue it to the speaker box material to match the interior of my topper.
Great video, love the set up.. Broke it down simple and doable, and yes getting a stronger battery though not much sun, some solar would be set up for some serious off grid living and camping. Thanks much.
I bought the Little Buddy Heater (the one that screws in and sits on top of the tank) instead of the one you and most other people have. It definitely heats up my truck enough (2020 Silverado) and I like how little room it takes up. However, even though it comes with a base I feel like its not super stable. Kinda top heavy. If I were to do it again I'd probably get the one you have.
@@Aitherious That trick works good for me with my Kodiac Canvas truck tent. I have a single mantle that will run for hours turned down low, but keeps Superduty tent cozy, down to low 30 temps anyway.
Nice truck setup video...If you had a guitar in your hands you would look like a younger version of John Anderson who did a lot of great songs like Seminole Wind.
I actually just bought the Jackery Explorer 240. I'm thinking about getting a heating blanket and hope it would run the blanket. Thanks for making this video and look forward to the next camping adventure. Have a wonderful night my friend.
I ran a 12 volt blanket all night on my jackery 240 just fine. But next day I had to make sure to recharge. If I remember right, it ran it down pretty low but worth the good night sleep. Plus, it is so easy to recharge up next day. So many options for recharging. I had a long drive ahead if me so I easily charged with the car.
You have some cool ideas, though I was wondering after the nice truck insulation installs and or heaters, is it not also good to have a very good below zero type mummy bag, jump in, less clothes or skivvies, keep your face covered inside your bag and a thermos of cocoa or coffee set aside for getting up and ready to cook and make a fire in the morning? But your extra linings so helpful. Thanks for sharing camping outdoors staying warm in your truck camper, some have their pet to keep company and feel warmed, friendly soul close by. Great life, very envious! Jammies and hoodie life! Whoohoo!
I’m picking up a -30 bag, Winchester brand I think, from sportsman’s warehouse. $120 on sale. So you have more room than a mummy. I only use a mummy if I’m packing due to the reduced weight, otherwise I like my comfort when I sleep
If you put Velcro on the outside of the shell windows and put a waterproof piece of that green tyvec foam on the outside.... maybe that would cut down on condensation and keep you warmer
Hi Crazy, Good Video. I have a suggestion. We used the same Buddy Heater you have camping out in a parking lot waiting for the grand opening of a 511 store in Knoxville. It was like 17 degrees. The Buddy Heater works great but it uses a complete bottle of gas about every 6-7Hrs. My Silverado also has the bed rug system. I also had a Military ECWSS (Extreme Cold Weather Sleep System) It is supposed to be rated to Minus 40 Degrees Below Zero (with propper layering). I hopped in the ECWSS and hoped for the best, figuering it would just keep me from freezing. Let me tell you, it kept me warm as toast WITHOUT the Buddy Heater turned on.. I havent set up any Reflectix yet but as part of my truck emergency gear I keep a ECWSS. I just need to find a way to also keep the dogs as comfortable as me in an emergency. I cant recomend the ECWSS enough, not only for emergencies, but just for all around comfort without a fuel draining heating system. Nothing to set up, just hop in.
I wish my camper had slit windows as in armored military vehicles with just enough light coming in but easier to insulate during the cold weather. Solid walls are too dark an slightly claustrophobic. campers have way too many large windows these days. Ceiling vents would also help dissipate carbon monoxide gas. Just a thought.
Like you said, I'd recommend the heating blanket. My partner and I used one with our battery unit this November in the Canadian Rockies. Worked really well. Put it over top of your mattress and underneath your blankets and sleeping bag! Enjoy
I so wish I would have waited and bought a full sized truck but OH well I did get a really good mid sized truck. I will camp where I can get electric and bought a personal sized heater that should do me. Enjoy your camping with the snow.
A couple of hints. A Jackery Explorer 500 is the Solar Generator I use. It is awesome. For $25.00 at Amazon you can get a 2 pack of cheap, 12 V electric blankets. I car camp in Colorado in the winter. With my Dual Fuel camp stove on super low (use a coat hanger to make a frame for your heat shield....cover with aluminum foil and....voila! You have a very small space heater. Mr. Buddy of ANY flavor is WAY too much heat for the back of a Four Runner) and windows cracked, and electric blanket going .............you can successfully car camp in sub zero degrees F. Peace!
CrazyQuady I use about 10% each night & that includes running a USB fan & charging phone/tablet. Not enough to make it in sub zero F. You also need the camp stove on low, reflectix. , etc.
You can also use a portable power box/station from a company called Jackery (.com); They're quite popular in the Van Living community! Could easily power that cheap heater damn near all night1 and then plug into your car 12v slot while driving and re-charge it! :-)
I'm a big Camping with Steve fan. You popped up as a recommendation in my feed, Now I'm a Crazy Quady Fan also. Glad I subscribed I have been watching your vids for a while . I have a 2018 Chevy Trax and I camp in that thing .Good thing I'm not a tall person but it dose the job for me. The reflectics on the window is a great idea. Where did you buy the reflectics ? Is it something I can find at Home depot of harbor fright ?
Really enjoyed your video! Thank you. 😊 You have a 110v fan you keep in your truck??? I have a 2019 F150 SPORT SuperCrew. Backseat belongs to the dog! But, my truck has 2x 110v outlets with 400watt max, engine run required!
What about space blankets you know the mylar space blankets what about heating up blocks or rocks with a fire and then bringing them inside the camper in a metal can actually melting melted wax to be even better melted in the gallon can and bring it in melted and it'll take all night to cool off to the point where it's solid will be giving heat out all the time
Lmao “so that was only slightly awkward” 😂that got me for some reason. Been binging your videos this morning bro, love the content and just subbed! Looking forward to future videos. You seem like a really chill dude 👍🏻 Good luck to you bro and beautiful truck too btw!
Reflectix is NOT insulation. In fact is is a very poor insulator. It is a reflective heat barrier, to keep heat out of your vehicle during warm weather. Go to Reflectix’ website, they will tell you what is is and isn’t, they do not even assign it an R-value. The Mr. Buddy heater is way too much for your camper shell, get a small Olympian Wave 3. Much more economical, and will not blast you out. It is a lower , more even heat source that will avoid the “too hot/too cold cycle you will have using the Mr. Buddy. Make some quilted curtains with sewn in velcro on the edges, sandwich foam insulation between the glass and quilted curtains at night. Finally, make sure to properly vent your camper shell, both for safety (you can kill yourself), and removing the moisture that is created from burning propane.
i gota 2011 gmc & the leer top from a silverado so its not a perfect fit. thanks for some ideas. ill be checking out the curtain set up next. my only prob is im 6ft 1 with a 5.5 bed & 2 dogs. we fit but its tight. also, dogs add heat so we def cuddle lol
