The Good and Bad of Winter Travel: Slim's 2024 Road Trip Part 1 

NOTE FROM SLIM: Here's the answers to repeat comments to save your typing fingers: 1. Yes the truck is sagging at the rear. I need new leaf springs eventually. 2. The armadillo did not bite very hard, however to be on the safe side I did seek medical advice. 3. I use AMERICAN gallons in my mpg calcs (what US gas station pumps Imperial gallons?!?) 4. The "HAUL" button was just a temporary test. It just increased the RPM, so do not use it. THANKS! SP

Hi Slim. Try to turn off Tow Mode. That's for hauling 6000 lbs or more. Your transmission needs to let your torque converter drop into lock mode, which drops your RPMs by 300.

Thank you for not saying where that place is. We camped for several years in the “free” campgrounds all over Florida long before many RU-vidrs blabbed about them and the rules got changed and some places got closed down because they became swamped with RVers who often did not obey the reservation rules. Such a pity. We are now off the road but still remember this awesome places. Instead here we are in the snow in Nova Scotia. Enjoy the winter in the warmth.

Here comes the sun 🌅 Snow and ice Chilly all around Frozen roads and streets Heading SOUTH BOUND Here comes the sun MPG not so grand Bouncing from park to park Slim's ONE MAN BAND A nip from an Arm-bite- dillo Scurring here and fro A true camp vagabond With a sharp middle toe The sun through the pines Florida COME AND STAY Brother Slim is our guide Enjoy the SUN AND PLAY ( it's alway a fun ride with brother Slim...and informative )

US states are beginning to take a closer look at where free camping occurs. Those places are becoming less about camping and more about homeless squatting. In Tennessee, there has been a crackdown on free "public" camping. The law is confusing, but with the uptick in homeless squatting vs recreational camping, a lot of places have been trashed. Even pay campgrounds are beginning to look like trailer parks. The high cost of rent has people buying cheap travel trailers and paying 500-900/month for a space. We've begun skirting some of our once-favorite parks because of the growing numbers of permanent campers. Management at those places isn't inclined to crack down on how well maintained those campers keep their spots.

Hi Slim, After watching the video and seeing the armadillo bite at you I looked them up. They will and can bite and claw. And another thing I didn't know was they can carry rabies and leprosy along with other harmful diseases. Probably don't want to get that close again.

I live in central Florida and was raised in southern Florida, so I have never driven in your conditions, but I know I would never be able to do it. They say armadillos eat termites, grubs, cockroaches, and scorpions. So he was out of luck getting food from any camper. They dig big holes all over my yard and they are a pain. Thanks for sharing part 1 of your trip.

OMG Slim! You certainly have been slammed with bad weather lately! This video kind of reminds of the cartoon character Chilly Willy. The penguin from Alaska who is always cold and constantly on a quest to stay warm. Loved the video. Thank you!

Stay safe, and warm Slim. Another great video. Eat smart now.. got to stay healthy.. Cheryl from southern Michigan, small village near Toledo, Ohio. Fighting terminal cancer, but watching the weather and plan our trip south for a couple months to get that Vitamin D, power. Go see some family near port charlotte, and Estero.. I plan on doing what I can if I can and stay in the presence of the Almighty God and Father. We have a space in Englewood… praise the Lord. Got to love your content and your videos. Keep up the good work. Hope to see you someday out there. Until then Slim.. May the sunrises bring you happiness in this crazy world we are living in…peace out.

Slim, steer clear of armadillos, they carry the leprosy bacteria and can infect you. Love the videos!

My 1998 Tahoe with the 5.7 ltr V8 only gets 11 gallons per gallon towing a 16' Casita - consistently over the past 6 or 7 years.... 🌞

Hey Slim, for future reference I would steer clear of the armadillos. They do carry the bacteria that causes Hansen’s disease, used to be called Leprosy. Hope you enjoyed your Florida trip anyway.

Those are about as good as you can expect with a full size truck when towing. Oddly, it seems to be mainly wind resistance that is the culprit. After years of towing I have found the weight towed only matters slightly to MPG (long trips on the highway are at a steady state). The size of the frontal area of the trailer as well as the cross section and wind velocity makes the most drastic changes. You could pull a camper twice the weight and likely see similar fuel economy on the highway.

It's a shame that SOME people have to ruin camp / RV sites for everyone else... So, I don't blame you for NOT giving out the exact location.... As always, i enjoy tagging along with you on your road trips. California use to be my winter destination, (San Diego).. The coldest it ever got while staying in Seal beach (Los Angles area) was 45 degree's F

"Tow mode" may not be necessary with your lightweight trailer except in the mountains. Talk with a tech who is very familiar with your transmission about doing without 'tow mode'; it's heat that kills transmissions so they might recommend a transmission heat gauge. Many who tow large rigs use one to make their transmissions last. An extra transmission cooler might also be in order; you're good enough to DIY that or a shop can do it at a very reasonable price. Your driving at lower speeds also helps since the pressure of wind increases exponentially with added speed. Also, an open bed and closed tailgate on pickups costs you ~2-5 MPG, mesh tailgates do noticeably better as do covered beds. I doubt that you will reach the Jeeps fuel mileage but you should be able to get closer. Love the propane consumption numbers- that's fantastic as you know. And as tempting as it is, best to not get close to wild critters as they can carry many diseases and often do. Never thought I'd see another armadillo since I was last out west but they're in S. Carolina now and moving north. We get our first real winter temps here tonight; nothing like at your cabin but more than plenty to shake the state with our collective shivering. Be well and enjoy the journey.

I noticed you had the truck in tow/haul mode. This will reduce your fuel economy because it keeps the transmission in lower gears for a longer period of time. It is designed for hauling heavy loads and isn't neccessary for a light trailer like yours. I have a fifth wheel toy hauler and only use tow/haul mode when I am decsending steep hills.

Slim, when you're driving on relatively flat land turn off the TOW/HAUL mode. It prevents your trans shifting into higher gears and reduces mileage. Saw the indicator light for it being on on your tachometer

Awesome as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

Slim! I'm glad you're back on the road. You may want to have a couple simple things done that are fairly cheap in price and you could do it yourself... Using a fuel additive i.e. marvels mystery oil will make big improvements, it helps clean out your fuel system and cleans your engine. Also having the throttle body cleaned along with replacing the mass airflow sensor. All that should make a difference in your gas mileage. I hope that will help out.

Great video, safe and healthy travels

A Slim video !! Can't wait to get home to watch it!!!

Thanks for the video, Slim. Safe travels and God bless.

great stuff Slim thanks

Thanks, Slim!

I’m glad you found some warmer weather! Thanks for the video.

Looking forward to more adventures… love your vlogs 😁

Yay! So glad your beautiful travel vids are back!!!

Awesome info. Thanks

Thanks for the video !

Glad you had a safe drive, Enjoy the warmth down there!

Thank you Slim for delivering a new video . Great as always

Great to see You on the road again.😊 Happy Travels ❤ STAY SAFE !!

Glad to have you back in USA! I always appreciate your videos.

Thanks for the new wallpaper for my desktop Slim! that sunset was amazing.

Safe travels Slim… see you next time.

Love your videos, your so descriptive of your surroundings

Always great to catch up with slim. Florida is a great spot for videos this time of year.

Great yo see you out on the road again. Safe travels.

Happy you’re travelling again! Even the west coast of BC has been cold! Enjoy the sunshine!

I could empathize with you as you sat out enjoying the sun!

Thanks for the video, Slim! I'm happy to see you back on the road. I wish i was on the road too. As it is, I'm stuck in Pennsylvania and the weather here now looks like it did in your video - terrible 😢 Take care! Ill be watching for updates.

Living vicariously here... 'feeling' those warm rays right thru my screen. 🌞 🌅

Thank you

Love this Channel!

Thanks Slim! Enjoyed your latest adventure, looking forward to more! Stay safe, nasty weather for awhile, even in the south!

Good to see another video from you. Take good care and stay warm out there.💞🥶

Safe, and sound. That's the main thing. Fun video, and enjoyed. Thanks for sharing.

stay safe and thank you for the video

Love the new pushbroom. Good look Fer ya!

Glad you got out of the cold. Have safe travels ahead .Slim.

Thanks Slim, glad you are taking some of this cold out of Canada. If it matters, it’s fricking freezing in BC right now, even down on the south coast. Stay warm.

Hey there, its good to see you enjoying the sun in short sleeves...you stay safe and happy out there..enjoy and be blessed

Nice video Slim, was looking forward to hearing from you, it's so enjoyable to watch your videos, hope you will be putting out some more and more frequently if possible, they are relaxing and informative as well as well done. Thank you, Thomas

Armadillos keep digging little holes in my backyard. Enjoy it down there. thanks for sharing the great video.

Safe travels Slim.

Good to see you Slim! Keep on keeping on. Hugs from FREEZING COLORADO

Thank you.

Keep rocking the stash and chin fur…looks good on ya!

I live in South Carolina and I’ve been a subscriber of your for a number of years and I’ve always wanted to do what you do I think you life your life to the fullest!!! You rock slim!!

That opening shot was stunning! We missed you! Glad you got some sun, it sure helps the mood. Stay safe.

Happy Travels!

Loved the first leg of your trip 👍looking into a 17 ft. Escape travel trailer in the next year or two and plan on tripping westward into the north west region of the country as well as north west Canada 🇨🇦 , thank you for all the great information pertaining to Traveling with a tow behind trailer it all will come in handy very soon 👌

I used to live in Navarre, Florida, and I recognized that campground as you were driving into it! Love it! I am sorry they closed off parts of it, but glad to see it still there.

Perfect nice little heater you got there.

This is the coldest winter we have had in Georgia in a while. Safe travels to you Slim. Watch out for those armadillo's. Little snapper 😅 🙏🙏🙏❤️✌️☕

Good to see you on the road again, how ever I love your cabin video also. Keep on trucabin...... ?

Happy you made it to Florida, looking forward to seeing your other videos ❤

Beautiful sunrise, sunset and crescent moon. A few other videos I watch of folks who live in their campers are also traveling around to find the warmest places to stay till weather gets a bit warmer. Here in Wisconsin, it's double digits below zero. But as you said, we're used to it here.

In the meantime here, in New-Brunswick, we still have lots of snow, and it remains very cold with plenty of winds. Happy travels!

Wow! Amazing to me how I am fraid that armadillo was. Great experience for you to be so up close and personal to the local wildlife. 💜 Always love your postings.

Looks like my old stomping grounds. The pines and the sandy roads bring back memories. Have a wonderful time. Armadillos eat mostly insects, but they'll happily eat a large variety of other things as well. Fruit, eggs, carrion, table scraps, dog food, pretty much anything they can find. They are almost blind but hear really well. Usually they take off at the sound of a voice so that one is obviously a camp ground regular.

Beard and stash are looking good! Wish I could get out of the Minnesota weather! Safe journeys Slim!

Heyy Slim what a magnificent sunset and sunrise,the campsite is nice beautiful scenery and tranquil waters, your little visitor wanted to taste your leg lol,thanks for sharing stay safe and warm 😊

Yup the sun in Florida is so nice in winter and I sincerely do miss it. I was forced out of Florida due to high rentals and with mu very limited budget I ended up in N. Georgia which is rainy and mostly cold here. I'm trying to arrange for next winter to stay in Florida, but with the limited housing available where my family lives I've not been able to find anything affordable. I'm glad you found a free campground. Happy trails and safe travels!

My word what a beautiful sunset that was

LOVE the NEW LOOK

A few more years and I hope to go on solo travel adventures like this! I love your storytelling and videos!

A ef4 TORANDO JUST HIT PANAMA CITY FL 2 WEEKS AGO .. GOOD TO SEE ANOTHER VIDEO SLIM WORKING OVER TIME.

Although I-81 can be very scenic through Virginia, I hate the traffic, especially approaching and departing the Roanoke area. Nice to see that you got the truck and trailer washed. I hate roadsalt on my vehicles. Your milage is about the same as mine when I had my F150, V6 Eco-Boost towing my 2500 pound Winnebago, but I never camped in the winter. As you said, you were driving under the worst conditions and a lot of hills. I enjoyed your video. 👍

It would be nice to travel the way you do,, and to get out of the cold,, is even better.. I am in Oklahoma,, we are being hit with that artic blast.. snow is pretty but it is too cold,, wish I was there!!! great video slim and thank you...

I'm so glad to see you again. This segment was really interesting with your analysis of mileage. I drive a 97 4Runner and have over 270,000 miles on it. I monitor my fuel use at each fillup and am pleased with its almost steady 20 miles per gallon. It only drops when I visit too many Starbucks😅

I hope you keep ahead of the weather! We are having weird weather this winter!

Drive safe and keep warm .

Welcome back to the highways of the US. I live just south of Roanoke, VA, so I am very familiar with I81. Looked like you were coming through in mid to later afternoon. That is one of the worst times. If you are able to plan you travel back through, your best times is mid day or late evening. Glad to see the truck is doing well. All the best and stay safe.

The Ice Man has settled in my area for the next 7 days or so - bitter cold here for sure. Glad you were able to find some warmth even if cold nights are mixed in, but it certainly took a long drive to do so. Wishing you safe travels. Be well.

Love the goatee Slim !

As a resident of South Alabama and an amateur meteorologist, it is now apparent to me you did bring the cold down with you. 😂

Red sky at night, Slim's delight. Red sky in the morning, Slim's warning! Safe travels. Glad you got out of the cold and into Florida.

I love to see that tilting panel working

Looks like you'd benefit from a set Airlift leveler bags on your rear axle.

I live in south Carolina Slim,today is 0/16/2024,our low tonight is going to be 17 f. Be safe Slim on your travels.

Slim, I checked my mileage for the best leg on my trip to Florida and it was 14.32 mpg (from South Carolina to Georgia) 265 miles with 18.5 gallons of gas. Best mileage I ever got, but for the whole trip 1300 miles, I got 11.8 mpg. Keeping the speed under 57 mph was the key (between 1350 and 1450 rpm). Good luck in your goal!

Wow. The campsite in Florida looked like a postcard. The trees against blue sky looked awesome. The weather app on your phone showed a bit warmer temps out west. Might be worth heading that direction? The Mojave and Arizona deserts in spring are beautiful. As for mps’s, tires like those can sometimes hurt mileage. Good for on and off-road - just not as good for highway-only mpg’s. Just throwing that out. Another good one. Cheers! 👍

Happy travelsy friend.

Welcome to the Black Forest area … my buddies are there too ( Van Camping Woody & Mr Cotton) many places but they told me it’s busy .. enjoy

As a wearer of more beard styles than I can count (I think I even invented a few) I think you found the sweet spot. For me, it’s a short full beard, but you look good, Slim. It needed to be said. I wait patiently for your videos. I wish you safe travels and warmth. Chase that sunshine brother!

I am in Pa. And we had road clouseures and power outages. I am not liking winter, can't wait until spring camping.Safe travela!

Welcome to the Blackwater River. I knew where you were when I saw the road. It is nice there. Watch for black bear and enjoy your trip.

Slim i'm really hoping you have good weather down here in Florida! This is the Cloudiest, coldest and rainiest winter In the 30 years I've lived here..... It is usually so much better! Love your videos, Slim!!!😊👍👏🏻☀️🌊🐊🐊🐊🐊

Hi Slim, we have been in Florida since December 10th and the weather has not been great. I’ve been wearing my coat almost every day. Looking forward to warmer days 😊