this may sound strange but I am watching this because her pronunciation of English is very clear and easy to understand to me. I am a non-native English user from Korea.
She mentioned Medford (I assume Oregon) growing up in the Pacific Northwest I have heard numerous times that our “English accent” is one of the clearest and most like written English. I’m not sure if this is proven of how a made up language could be clearest but maybe this is a good litmus test
Sr L 32 others ... same boat. God Bless America (because we need it.) Be afraid, there's a recession coming. EDIT Also maybe a war we didnt need. Actually dont be afraid! balance being prepared with enjoying because we only have now.
Make sure to tilt your blinds UP when you close them. Cold air naturally descends, so it will come into your living space if your blinds are tilted down. Tilting them UP will help keep cold air out.
I can’t believe all the snarky comments on here. Carolyn’s motto is Be Happy, Be Free, Be Kind....... that being said, I say if you can’t be kind, be happy and go free yourself That being said Carolyn, love your videos and your happiness is contagious. I so admire you for living your life your way
@managing today I only see the one above about ‘shabby’ now. I did write this a year ago and would only have made the comment had there been such remarks. Perhaps they were taken down. Please just notice the good part of my comment
On the floors in my 1971 Shasta camper I bought those puzzle fitting rubber mats for exercise equiptment. And did my floors all throughout by fitting them and trimming them to fit with a pair of scissors. I did it wall to wall, and I could walk on my floors in winter barefoot. Insulated the floors really good and it also looked really good also.....buy a terra cotta flower pot to fit over one of your stove burners. Place it upside down on a burner after it is lit and adjusted to a comfort zone you like and walla, a small heater. You can adjust the heat by using the burner when lit low med , and you can also use it on high . But I suggest only for about half an hour on high, dont want the pot to crack. You sister are doing great. Be safe out there pleas.
I would get a job and rent an apartment if I didn't own my house and live like civilized folk..hell homeless in shelters live better then this..at least they have a warm bed and are not breaking the law or making towns crack down on use vacationers for stopping to take a break from driving and hassling us to convince them we aren't squatting..
live on a 43 foot Yacht with a 156 pound timber wolf, named Madison. She is much cleaner, (and smarter) than anyone I know. The more people I meet, the more I like canines.
We spent $50 on a roll of the silver bubble insulation and cut it to the size of windows and it works great for both keeping cold out and keeping heat out during summer.
How well would the silver bubble insulation work on a newer metal over wood-frame 8' x 16' shed?, which I use for my weights and tinkering with my bike? Gets hot and cold in there about 1/3 of the time I use it. I don't want to use gloves with weights, due to the cold.
@@kimberlyquintanilla5493 silver bubble insulation called refexit is excellent but would block all the light so regular plastic bubble wrap is great for windows.
@@williamthompson9261 reflexit is excellent for your application. You can even double it for higher rating. I plan to use it when I do a shed to house even under the floor to I dilate and keep out mice. Saw it on RUclips@ Boss of the Swamp in his cabin build.
Buy and install 3M window kits around the windows before hanging insulated drapes. It fits behind the blinds, easy to install, very reasonable prices. Really helps keep the drafts down to almost nothing.styrofoam cut to fit the floor under large area rug will help keep the floor warm or at least not bitter cold. See you have a microwave...make a small bag(a sock will do in a pinch) fill with white rice about 2/3 full.....heat in mic for 2 min.....these little cozy will keep you warm for hours.
I have lived in campers for the past 6 years because of work in Saskatchewan. It gets bitter cold here in winter months, like today -26 with the wind chill and it gets much worse. I have lived in this thing when it has gotten below -50 with the wind. For the first two years I used propane, and electric heat. I hated the cost of the electric and propane, and the moisture from propane was insane, so I removed my cooking stove, and built a heavy duty wood burning stove, and piped it out the side. Now I heat for free, and stays very hot even during the coldest nights here. When it gets to hot, I open a vent or a door and cool it down. I use the range to move the heat around. I also use wind generation to harvest power, and banks of batteries to store the power. Built the wind generator myself, and it works awesome. I love living this way, and probably always will live like this, and now many people are doing the very same thing, and the ones that are not, want to do the very same thing.
I've worked my butt off raised four kids on my own and took care of people with Alzheimer's and other problems for over 16 year's and have been though alot in life and always thought about doing what ur doing right now I think no I know you have to be a strong person to over come over everything life throws at you so thank you for sharing your life story it is really helpful I know what I want now I have a very bad heart condition it's part of the reasons why I want to do this I've always said I wanted to do it and very soon I'll be able to do thank you and may god continue to bless you
I consider people like you the angels of the world. Sometimes the difficult things wear a person down, and they do damage to self esteem and personal dignity. But please know that to people like me, you are better than royalty or celebrity. You are the very highest level that a human being can achieve. So I hope that you feel that you have accomplished tremendous things, and are very proud of them. God Bless you for all that you have done.
I'm a full-time RVer and I live in Canada. The winter temperatures we experience are a tad cooler than those you mention. I've lived comfortably for months of below zero temperatures that sometimes reach nearly 40F below. But I do have my furnace working properly - most of the time. Here are some tips for you: 1) If you must use a propane heater indoors, put it on top of your stove so as to take advantage of the stove-hood ventilation. 2) All your water lines to the kitchen run through the lower kitchen cabinets. Leave the cabinet doors open overnight so warm air from the cabin will keep those lines from freezing. 3) Ordinary automotive anti-freeze ( two cups per 20 gallon capacity) will keep your waste tanks from freezing at the temperatures your describe. 4) Your fresh water tank should be ¾ full..... NOT ¼ full. A quarter full tank will freeze loooong before a ¾ tank will. (A puddle freezes before a pond). Water only expands 9% as it freezes; you don't need much expansion space. 5) Pay attention to the comment here by Bobby Baldeagle. You MUST drain your pump as well as your lines. You can burn it out in as little as a few seconds if you turn it on when it has ice it. (how do I know that?!...... Not telling.....$130 for a new one.) 6) NEVER block your exit door like that. In case of a fire you'll never get over the dog (who will get excited) and with all that stuff on the floor...... Do you taste good when well done? Happy RVing to you!
Thanks for this. Years ago, in the lowest place in my life, I wanted to turn my back on the world and live on a shoestring in an RV. If there had been your videos, I might have done it. Fortunately, the VA rescued me, and with less stress I realized that RV life would have made me worse, not better. I love Winnemucca, and I'm glad there's no Starbucks there! Pretty good cafe though. Also a damn good man there dedicated to helping veterans and the young boys who often go astray in that desert place. Thanks and I wish you luck.
I wish I had this when I lived in my 34 foot Southwind, as I lived for 14 years in the old wreck! I never did half of what you do now. I did have a full sized Mr Buddy similar to yours and I survived, BARELY! I finally had to junk the old wreck as she was falling apart at the seams & I am now in an apartment, warm all winter, but no more travelling, but now I read about your travels & others and that satisfies my wanderlust. Thank you for your travels.
We live in a 5th wheel. One thing we do is get a roll of bubble wrap, it’s pretty cheap, and put it up on the windows! It makes a huge difference. Also take the same bubble wrap and cram it in any vents on the ceiling. Good luck everyone. Also we use the propane oven for heat! It gets really warm!
I do all of this boon-docking in MN during the middle of winter, just some added info that might help some people out, IF YOU HAVE ENOUGH SNOW: pile the snow along the bottom of the RV/Camper/vehicle so the wind isn’t blowing up from under :) helps me a ton!
Hi Carolyn, good video, two suggestions... 1. You might consider making your window insulation process easier by cutting some aluminum window insulation to the size of your windows and door and then using velcro tabs at the corners. One side for the RV walls, the other for the insulation panel. That way its easy on and easy off in minutes. Like the idea of throw rugs for the floor. You might also consider a carpet remnant that you can cut around your cabinetry and bed and use with two way tape. If it gets dirty just toss out and replace but you'll have better insulation on the floor. 2. Also I guess you realize that having a 20 Gal LP tank inside your RV when you're using it is highly illegal. You risk a catastrophic explosion. When its in use it must be outside. Your Big Buddy heater is a great way to heat the RV. Also you need a LP alarm near your bedroom just in case. You did mention that you have a CO2 alarm, perfect. Take care out there.
Rick - 1. Excellent tip. about the aluminum and the carpet remnants! Brilliant! 2. Thanks for the advice about the tank.. will run it outside. thanks! I appreciate your great advice! - Carolyn
Hi Carolyn, So my wife and I were full-timers in a 1996 35 foot Class A Allegro Bay Motor home. We lived in it for a little over 5 years. Health issues made us switch back to a house. So I have a couple of suggestions for you. There are these grow mats that come in various sizes. I had a couple of 9 x 12 mats that sat on the freshwater and black water tanks. They only use 20 watts of power each and generate 70 degrees of heat which going up against really cold temps never let my tanks get colder than 39 degrees. Now to power them, at Harbor Freight for $19.95 I got a Solar battery charger which produced enough power to run the mats. So that's one suggestion. Another suggestion is to go behind Best buy or some electronic store and find a chunk of styrofoam that fits the space between the door and floor and then go behind a carpet store and find a scrap of foam rubber and a bit of carpet and glue the foam block to the foam rubber and the carpet scrap to the other side of the foam rubber . If you are dry camping and can have a campfire get a metal bucket and fill it with large flat river rock and place the bucket and the rock really close to the fire. The rocks will absorb a lot of the heat, Then bring the bucket inside and set it on the stove the rocks will radiate heat for about 8 to 10 hours. Keeping you nice and toasty. Last but not least calk all the walls inside the house at the floor. Well, that will keep you busy and a lot warmer.
Also, word of caution, do not put rocks directly in the fire or they can explode. But yes, the hot rocks really help. I have used them while tent camping in cold weather. I put them inside a towel inside my sleeping bag. Sadly they actually burned a hole in the towel which shocked me because they were not on fire when i put them in but live and learn. I stayed toasty warm that night whereas the night before I FROZE! I loved those rocks.
Wow you have lots of knowledge. I live in a tiny apt that's cold. the windows are bad. I've got thermal curtains and will put plastic on the windows soon. So I could put that pink Styrofoam on some windows and door to help keep warm?
In my mobile home I use blankets to insulate my windows. You would be surprised at how low my electric bill is. In winter I open my curtains so the sun can heat me my home in the day and close when sun goes down. You can do all sorts of things to save on your heating and cooling bill.
One of the great joys of RVing is to come back to it after a day of adventuring to a COMFORTABLE setting where one can get clean, fed and sleep. This video is eloquent testimony of the inconvenience and suffering RV owners are subjected to when trying to survive routine temperature extremes. The only alternative is the expense of "winterizing" and losing its use for months. Nearly the entire RV industry is at fault. All of the special accommodations outlined here are easy to incorporate into an RV when it is being designed and built. Until the public demands a better product, fiascos like this will be the rule.
Great video and tips, Carolyn. Here's a tip I've used before. Get bubble wrap and cut it to fit the window panes of a window, fill a spray bottle with water and put a couple of drops of dish soap then mist the windows and place the bubble wrap on the glass. It suctions right on and stays put. Then when you want to remove it, it comes right off. Then repeat the steps when you want it back up again. I reused mine a couple of winters. Happy trails!
+Jacki Sweetwood "put a couple of drops of dish soap then mist the windows and place the bubble wrap on the glass. It suctions right on and stays put. Then when you want to remove it, it comes right off. Then repeat the steps when you want it back up again. I reused mine a couple of winters. Happy trails!"
I've gone from listening to fear-mongering Alex Jones since January of 2020, thinking everyone is hunkered down at home, til' last week, when I started binge-watching Your amazing travel channel. I can't wait to retire & live a similar lifestyle. May God continue to richly bless You & Your beautiful dog !! @6:55
Get spray insulating foam to spray around cracks also you can put clear insulating plastic to stop cold from creeping in at Windows. All this stuff can be had at a improvement home store. Use bedroom wool slippers when inside.
I was going to tell her some of the same things you talked about as well. The foam would help where that battery is at. Where the wires come in for her. Maybe even some thin foam sheets around and under it as well. You can just cut them to fit around it to help keep the cold out of that one spot.
I remember watching this video 7 years ago. I love your positive energy! Carolyn this video was what inspired me to go fulltime. You still continue to inspire me!!!
In past years I've owned four RV's: a class A, two Class C's, and finally a Clasd B. I found that by permanently installing a catalytic heater at floor level the vehicle stays warm. I agree with covering the windows to insulate them. In the Class C and B, simply blocking the driver compartment by hanging a blanket across the opening makes a big difference. A catalytic heater uses very little propane and produces radiant heat to warm up objects it's facing. I never used the built-in furnace because the fan motor always ran the battery down.
Hey Carolyn, I learned a few years ago that if you slant your blinds toward the window it helps to keep the cold air from flowing in. When they are slanted toward the room the cold air does literally pour through them. Give it a try. I'm loving your video. I'm getting great ideas for my van!
Just a note the Buddy Heater does have a CO-2 monitor that will shut itself down. One problem is the propane tank inside is not a good idea. The valve can leak. I use the same heater all the time but I do put the gas outside via a wire/ hose trap door on the side of the camper. Nice video just watch the gas. Best you.
Carolyn's RV Life i use a big buddy propane heater in my 03 32 ft travel trailer. It works amazing. as always propane heaters indoor or outdoor produces moisture and uses oxygen. I also use a 40 quart dehumidifier and keep a window cracked. I've gotten home to 15° and in no time I'm in shorts!!!!
You do many good things, but may I make a suggestion? I live in a 46' fifth wheel trailer. What I did is I got 5 cast iron pans from five, and dime shops. I stack them all together, and set them on the burner on the stove. I only put it on low, and those cast pans heat up, and the heat that comes from them is incredible. Also when you turn the fire off the pans stay hot for a long time.
when I went hunting in my dads 23 foot 5th wheel it had one of them dumb furnace with a fan, that kill the battery's in one night, we set the oven to 300F and stuck a fork in the door to keep it open just a crack and it kept use taste at -10
I tried to buy some used a long time ago and it was impossible. Moving company's said that they keep using until they literally are falling apart. New are much to expensive in Ontario. I'm going to be on the outlook for alternative sources now. Everybody should do the same and report back here what they find.
Hi Carolyn! Your post was a godsend! I am full-timing currently due to a move from one city to another, and heading where it is colder (LA to SFO) so very worried about how to keep warm. I bought solar panels but not installed yet. House furnace is a pain, and like you said, a huge drain on battery, generator, gas, and propane. Plus it overheats the RV. I need a steady small source of heat that can be controlled with a thermostat. The little Buddy heater looks just right! I think if I keep a window slightly open, that should do it. Its very heartening to know that you can camp even in snow, your post gave me a huge morale boost, thank you!! Now, to pass you some of my tips... I just installed wood flooring and ripped out old carpet. What I used as underlayment is called Silent Silver (or Silent Blue) from Amazon. 1/8" thick. You can get thicker versions. It cuts down road noise, insulates, is a moisture barrier, and gives cushioning to wood floor. Underlayment is the key. You can also slip this into door panels, walls, around battery box (leave holes open) and inside exterior storage areas to cut down noise, and insulate. From Fabric.com, I bought a rubber blackout cloth called Roclon Blackout Cloth. Mine is white. I made curtains for every window, that were lined with rubber lining to block out light and keep heat in. My curtain tracks were from IKEA, and I used drapery pin hooks (also IKEA) with shirring tape. I also bought Reflectix from Amazon, which is a bubble wrap with foil on both sides, same as your windshield folding shades. For $50 you get a large roll that will do all the windows on 3 RVs. Just cut out window shape, and wedge into window frame. If there is not enough traction, use Velcro. Reflectix + Lined Curtains keep you warm!
Hi Carolyn, I'm enjoying your video series. I just moved into my Silver Eagle Class A and will be hitting the road very soon with my Harley hauler in tow. I am in upstate NY right now and have already seen minus16 degrees Fahrenheit. I'm lucky to have a working furnace, and when I heard you "drenched your furnace in WD40", I wanted to let you know that WD is not a lubricant, it will actually wash away lubricant and leave your bearings dry. You could try an actual lubricant, go to the hardware store and ask the smartest looking employee and I'm sure you will be directed to the right stuff... Maybe I'll see you on the road somewhere! Be safe, be happy, be yourself,...Garry
For more RV Winterizing Tips to Stay Warm n Freezing Temperatures, check out the blog: www.carolynsrvlife.com/2016/12/11/how-to-stay-warm-in-your-rv-in-the-winter/
Carolyn's RV Life there's this stuff I think I sent you a message about it but I just found some other stuff called insul bright if you look it up on Amazon and I'll give you a really good description for it and all you have to do is like velcro it to the inside of your curtains the other stuff I had sent you a message about I have at my house but it's quite pricey I just got my 99 1 ton Dodge Ram Maxi van and it has a lot of Windows in it so I'm going to use this stuff from now on because wow it's so much cheaper and then I'm just going to go throw it around my windows does the same thing keeps the heat out and keeps warm in
I live in North Pole Alaska. I have seen the weather down to -65 F and grew up in Alaska in a trailer house built in the lower 48 during the 60s. Very cold! The padding and carpet does add a lot of insulating value. As does quilts over windows and doors. The plastic window coverings adhered with the included double stick tape creates an air pocket that insulates. We open the sink cabinet doors to put more hot air to that area when it is extra cold outside, simple to do and it helps. Good luck from the land of the midnight sun and winter midday moon :)
I have done replaced my all-in-one power unit (breaker box, fuse panel, DC converter) myself ($600 in parts). That was last winter. And I am currently replacing my furnace. I bought a new one that is 5,000btu larger (35,000btu). Now I have to add 2 more 4" round flex ducts. My bathroom didn't have heat, nor did my cargo room. That will be remedied shortly. I am $610 deep so far. (That is only because I bought a $100 multimeter.) I predict another $100ish to finish it. But everything I do in my camper is self repaired AND upgraded. I am too poor to hire a service guy. All my power unit needs to be a 50amp service now, is the 50amp shore cord. The rest is done. But I am backwards compatible to with the way I designed it. I can still power both combined legs on one 30amp outlet. Or I can even still run it on a 15amp household receptacle. A 50amp box is actually dual 50amp breakers. Where as a 30amp box, is a single 30amp breaker. But my power unit is technically a dual 30amp service. I run two 30amp mains on a 50amp shore cord when I get one bought. But electricity just comes naturally to me (AC or DC) and I am a self taught electrician that does everything by the code book. ELECTRICITY CAN KILL YOU!!! DON'T DO THAT KIND OF WORK UNLESS YOU "FULLY" KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING!!!!!
I live in a bus. I used either a Mr. Buddy Propane heater, or my wood burning cast iron stove. Which I have actually had a small wood burning stove in an small RV before. Just insulate the bottom legs with bricks, and pipe out through the roof hatch
I can install a woodstove in a trailer or RV with a chimney and you will love it. It can heat up an RV to 90 degrees F and outdoors it can be minus 35F
it would be hard to make a video about it.... because I don't have an RV or trailer to work with... but I've done it before for myself and lots of my customers.... "I'm the chimney guy"... which means I rebuild chimneys and I install woodstoves too, for the past 20 years... I love the work!
there are a lot of small stoves that are available from Finland that I've purchased here in Canada they are stainless steel no problem to install and a 4 inch circular vent is all that's needed to work for the chimney... but with a wood stove in an rv or trailer you need to open a window a crack, for extra oxygen so the fire doesn't go out and some decent hardwood
Very informative. I have dry camped in Illinois in the winter before (in the snow) in my 38' Class A with 2 children and a dog. We were warm and toasty with our propane heater.
Lived in my car for a whole winter in Colorado a few years back when I was homeless. Before that I never panhandled and contrary to belief in a mid sized city at least here people are pretty generous. It was was always lower to middle class people that helped me out. Not once did I ever see someone in a Mercedes give me even a dollar. To save money I lived and slept in my car most nights. I'd find cardboard at the back of restaurants like mcdonalds and cut outlines so they would fit snuggly in all my windows. I would then take a large metal coffee can, buy a bunch of those cheap small candles, and put them inside the can and light it. I also used lots of blankets. Some nights when it got really bad like 20 bellow I'd have to turn my engine on for a few minutes but for the most part I was able to sleep pretty warm. As far as places go I would usually just park at a walmart as far out of the way as possible and never got bothered once. It wasn't pleasant though being 6 foot 2 inches tall but long story short had it not been for people helping me out I would have probably froze to death. Some people would drive by and yell things like "get a job" not knowing how moronic their statements where. If someone is homeless in the middle of winter getting a job doesn't fix everything. Most of the time when you get a job you have to wait almost 2 weeks if your lucky but most of the time 3 to 4 weeks to even get your paycheck. That isn't going to keep you warm or fed in the meantime. Long story short I eventually had enough saved up to move into a place and get a job. It was definitely an experience but I wouldn't want to ever do it again.
Isn't thatvtrue? Who do u think gives during weather disaster? US . I would bet going by how many -not how much tl -we who know poverty are the winners. I'm glad it was only that 1 Winter. Good 4 u.
@Gayle Elizabeth I am really glad to read this! If only there were more people like you!! You know I use to think like your friends (when I was younger) But you have made such a valid point!
Have you tried putting cardboard on your floors? It really makes a difference...we found fridge boxes at a local furniture store and covered all the floors in our RV. Used duct tape on all seams.....if any of the cardboard gets wet simply replace those pieces. We also use a free standing propane heater in our RV and ALWAYS keep a windows cracked in kitchen & bedroom.
Lyn Lewis Lady, I bought carpet from those big rolls at Lowe’s, cut it to size. It cost me $ 28.- for the whole thing .I can take it up to clean and I really do not have to worry about it getting whet.... If you can not afford that, then you should not spend a winter up north.
We live in northern Canada...our floors get wet due to snowy boots. The cardboard is insulation under the throw rugs.. thought you would appreciate the info.. having cardboard under the carpets kept our floors toasty warm..much warmer then just the carpet .
i'M DEFINITLY going to add insulation in my cabinets. It would be worth the time to do it. Rv's need all the extra insulation they can get! I'm a first timer and cant believe how cold RV's get in winter time!! And I can also feel some rooms are colder than others. But the Buddy heaters are very good heat!! And so are electric blankets in bed 😁👍 Mine doesnt seem to use much electricity at all!!
absolutely bubble wrap works great I do it on my house and I hate the house with the fireplace only we don't even turn on the furnace so I'm going to do the same to our RV we have a bounder 40 ft 2000
My Mr. Buddy would not relight at 2:00 AM because of lack of ventilation. It was 20 degrees and I was freezing. The next night I left the window open a crack and it worked fine.
A better alternative to those blankets,are squared sleeping bags(not mummy) instead. They can be found cheaply on Amazon,Ebay,or at Walmart. You can either use Velcro,or curtain hooks to hang them.
As for the pipes freezing. I would get some some pipe insulation from Lowe's or Home Depot and wrap all the pipes underneath the RV with it and and secure it with duct tape.
For the battery box,a cheap styrofoam cooler could be cut and glued into place to line the inside,as well as the lid. You still need to leave some kind of venting for the battery,to prevent gas build up,and possible combustion.
For the leaks along the floor seams. I would get a couple of cans of Great Stuff poly foam,and run a bead of it underneath along the seams of the RV,anywhere I could access.
and a better alternative to that would be putting clear plastic over the windows to where is completely air tight been used for centuries. Why are people trying to reinvent the wheel with sleeping bags and overs etc etc. propane heater inside ehhh no thanks kerosene heater burns far better and cleaner with no smell
Tt Ss plastic being used for centuries? I think you might need some education on plastic and it being invented after the second world war . poly window plastic in the late 1960's. nice for covering home windows but in trailers and RVs it can be hard to keep taped to the window and even harder to keep from ripping. also when you want fresh air in the day time your shit outta luck
Great job, I have lived in several RVs until I got tired of being alone, I had them on a shop yard where I worked but whenever I visited my family I had so much fun I eventually moved with them, but I really loved the freedom and peace and quiet!
Just remember this. Cold doesn't travel, heat does. Cold is not a thing, but the absence of a thing, namely heat. The distinction actually does make a difference. Your desire is to hold as much heat inside your RV since the natural state is for hot objects to lose that heat to a less energetic environment. Now, heat loss comes from convection (moving air), conduction (contact), and radiation. You are taking good steps towards blocking convection, just remember hot air rises and cold air sinks. Insulating your floors would be a good idea since they will be cooling off your interior space by conduction. You can also use cheap $1 mylar space blankets (silver side in) to cover those windows. All in all, from a survival standpoint you are on the right track.
Something most people do not know, is that, propane does NOT produce carbon monoxide, but instead, carbon dioxide, which is heavier than air, and will sink to the floor. This is why propane powered vehicles are used in warehouses. I have lived in RV's for over 25 years, and not had any serious issues. In winter, I insulate my windows with bubble wrap, which keeps the heat in, but also lets light in, without sacrificing your privacy. I am a stationary engineer, with a propane certification.
Thank you Terry! That makes perfect sense because the instructions for the sensor tell us to install it near the floor. I sleep on the bed and sit in the chairs, the only time I'm near the floor is if I dropped something and it rolled out of sight :) Thanks again!!
I used to work weatherizing homes and the best thing to do is to use caulking to seal your cracks especially around the windows even if you have to caulk them shut, the caulking does peel off later, the clear is best for peeling off caulk along your floors especially outside walls you'll definitely feel the difference
Try bubble wrap on your windows. Free in dumpsters behind furniture stores. Get the glass damp and it will just stick on. Also at Home depot they might have a flooring material like a yoga mat. Around 20.00 for for a 4x8 sheet. Insulates really well and rolls up easily later. I even put it under my bedding and in front of my door. It's often -20 here in Canada.
RV furnaces are so inefficient... I use a big buddy and space heaters when on AC.... The big buddy heats my 34foot rig up super hot.. Big buddy heaters are safe for indoors... Has a low oxygen cutoff and tip over protection.... I always keep my sky light open a touch to vent.... I aslo have a CO2 detector.... I keep my 20lb tank outside and run it in a hole under my rig through the dinette storage... Good job on air leaks.... Its weird but my rig is 27 years old and the only draft I get is from the door... I also have on most of my windows a clear plastic sheet over the windows... you cant see it unless you run your hand under the wood blinds..
Window film put up with the double stick tape (the kind you smooth with a blow dryer) works wonders on drafty windows while letting light in. It does not interfere with window coverings and can be left on year round to save on a/c. Try it out. Alternatively, try window quilts. 👍
Carolyn's RV Life we leave it up year round and cover it with an upholstery cloth window shade (Roman shade). It would work even better with your blankets, as shown, or window quilts.
At 0:24 *"It's SNOWING!!!" A wonderful woman I once knew said that very thing JUST LIKE YOU just did. If one has to look at Ads I don't mind one iota if they are HEATER ADS. Kudos to you and yours.*
I had a feeling that was the case. So you got a boyfriend? Cuz I am *available for that role if you had a mind to...* I'm up in Warshington above Oregon. If I knew your email I could shoot you my phone number. I'm EZ on the eyes and like all the usual stuff. I'm 64.
Mr.Buddy is the man!Lol.Love that guy.Kept me warm in my truck all winter and I'm still alive.He didn't kill me and has safety features so it doesn't kill you.Worth its weight in gold.
Thanks for sharing about the Mr. Buddy. I live in my horse trailer and use the same heater with the one pound tanks and don’t run it at night. Recently bought the hose attachment and filter but was concerned about using the big propane tank inside. Next winter I will feel more comfortable knowing it is safe.
I have NO drafts in my travel trailer, as I sealed & caulked EVERY seaming point....from the roof, walls, to floor & undercarriage of my RV. I have never had drafts. I reseal my rubber roof, every year. Caulk around the plumbing openings. Spray foam insulation is great too. I do have wall to wall carpet, with high end padding. My propane heater is awesome, and keeps me warm. I am going to install a small corner wood burning fireplace, utilizing lots of flashing, reinforcing the floor joists/flooring, with a retractable flue. I know lots of RVer's who have installed fireplaces, that work well as secondary heat, and saves money on propane. I won't be able to have my swivel rocker, anymore, but it will be worth it, considering I am a year round RVer. If you can't replace you RV windows, you can get plexiglass, cut to size, then clear caulk in. I utilize heat lamps, outside & under my RV, at the holding tanks & pipes, then wrap the bottom of the RV to hold the heat in....keeps the floor warm, too. Make sure your hot water heater is warmed, too....the water left in will freeze, expand & crack the hot water heater. Or you can empty the hot water heater.
Diane Morgan, do you use any special caulking? Explain, pls wrapping the bottom of your RV. I'm new at this and have much to learn. Thank you. Happy Trails June 22, 2019
Carolyn, I lived in an ancient 1973 Dodge Class C camper for 12 years here on Long Island, that was so drafty that you could fly a kite inside when the wind was blowing outside. During those 12 years, I only had access to full electric for about 5 years. During those 5 years, I used an electric heater when possible/practical, but used a 10,000 BTU radiant kerosene heater the rest of the time. Kerosene heaters are pretty clean-burning, put out a lot of heat, are economical, and you have zero danger of explosion(unlike propane heaters - and you are taking SERIOUS risks having that propane tank *inside* your RV!). Propane heaters also generate about 1lb of water vapor for every lb of propane burnt. Get yourself a 10k BTU radiant kerosene heater(about$120), keep a couple of spare wicks on-hand, and become an expert at changing them yourself. I got nearly 5(!) *years* out of ONE wick, by using only the clear kerosene that Hess/Speedway sells. These heaters run for about 12 hours on a tank, and the tank is removable so you can refill it without any interruption to your heater's operation. Compared to kerosene, propane heaters are inefficient and expensive to run. I speak from a dozen years of first-hand experience.
You are so right about the kerosene heater. I lived two years on an old boat and that was the heat and I'd slow cook cheese sausage in a cast iron pan, on top. Good times :)
I've lived in a small house in the country and I had a kerosene heater you have to have good ventilation which she seems to have right now but I didn't hear you tell her that she needed the ventilation
I had one they just threw up a lot of hate but you still have to have you still have to be well-ventilated but the outside door wasn't cut right so there was like a 2-inch there was a 2-inch drop from the frame so I have plenty of air coming in if someone told you that propane was safe and then another person said it was dangerous that accepts explosive so you know I mean I wouldn't buy it if it's explosive I wouldn't buy anything with the propane I would definitely go a kerosene or find some kind of solar power heater
Fredrick Laverdiere I bought carpeting and cut it to size. It is easy to take out to clean and it does not move and really keeps the floor warm. So, I have wall to wall carpeting, but can take it out easily.
I've seen the carpet squares at Habitat stores,... around $2 each.... easy to install without adhesive. I custom fit several windshield reflectors on my RV windows, makes a big difference especially in summer. Bigger rolls at Home Depot.... very cheap.
Not sure if you live in your RV anymore, but i live in an old remodeled trailer house. Problem is they didn't replace any windows. I go to the craft section in dollar general and find those white foam craft boards. I cut them to exact fit for the windows and jam those in the casing, wedging it in there against the glass. They cut down our heating bills significantly! Plus you could double up on them even or use heavy duty duct tape around the edges. We don't even use the windows here, half of them are painted completely shut and won't open, so I just leave the foam up all year unless it's warped.
The bathroom toilet can also be filled with antifreeze for plumbing, sold at a hardware store. Make sure it says -50 degrees F and it will keep the toilet from freezing. This year I went to Home Depot and got some white, 4ft long by 2 feet wide insulation. 6 come in the package, and I put them in my windows through the 2020-21 winter. I also got some plywood and painted it 2 times, both sides, (2ft by 4ft long plywood) and I laid them up against the base of the bottom of my PleasureWay van to help keep the wind and snow from getting under the van. The 12 pieces of plywood helps so much better and can be put under the van storage and can insulate against the heat in summer too.(I live in Canada, so I cope with ice and snow).
hi, I have the Big Buddy heater and they burn so clean, they don't have to be vented. it has an oxygen sensor, tip over shut off and no pilot shut off. Great indoor heaters! The heater is approved for Indoor use. great video
Terry.. Where in rockies Generally?? Is there a remote rv park that you found or apiece of land? I know that 5g TECH will wipe out most of human life AGENDA21/30 I choose to be away from Gwen towers in the trees as the trees block the HRZ SIGNALS very well. I hope you reply
hi. can I advise you to buy roof insulation on a roll like the one u use at the front and back of your van. but what we did was we put velcro on the wall and on the insulation and it made a very tight seal I also sewed the blanket fabric on to the insulation. also we made a yacht stove/heater out of flower pots it's amazing there is videos on line how to make it. you use tea lights in it. all the best.
Hi, I'm not tryingto be a bud-dingskie..but I had to call a 5th wheel home for about 3 years, No Fun at all. But on the brighter note, I learned a lot. I do remember seeing a type of heater that you hang in your window, solar powered during the day. An at night or whenever desired, you turn it on, an enjoy what the heater absorbed while in the window. Being it solar powered you'll save on battery & propane. I'm now in my home, but still would like to add these to my home. Just an idea. An I SO agree with "crabtree". Oh my goodness what a change in temperature the Window kits make. Homedepot has had the best deals, fyi. I wish you well. Be safe.
I lived in a 24-foot RV for several years in Oklahoma and it gets cold and I just heated with my burner on my cook stove it was propane I did use a little fan to circulate the air I'm still here hadn't died yet
Ok something you may not know. I saw your battery when you lifted the cover. When It goes bad get two 6 volt Golf cart batteries. they will last a couple days if you can't charge them up. It is all about Reserve AMP NOT cranking amps. You may or may not have room. but if it can be created you will be very happy with the expense. Two of those batteries can be between 200 and 300 dollars. All though I did see some at Costco for 89 dollars each a while back. That is why big tractors and trucks run several 6 volt batteries. then if you want to add an invert er to watch T.V. or other things like medical equipment it can be done all night with out battery problem.
I second the two 6 volt battery recommendation! I picked up two at Sams Club for around $85 each and couldn't be happier. I also have a 100W Solar Panel on the roof. We dry camped in Yellowstone for a week, only running the generator occasionally to run the microwave at meal time. NEVER had a battery issue. We used a small inverter to run the TV at night for movies (he had three teenagers with us). Just make sure you wire them correctly!
Our RV has 4 deep cycle Golf Cart Batteries for the "House" & 2 huge 12 volt batteries for the diesel engine "Chassis." 4 years ago, I hooked up 2- 100 watt Solar Panels to both battery banks with the controller diverting current the bank in need. We can watch the TV and DVD player all night. When the sun comes up, the batteries are at full charge within 2-3 hours on a sunny morning.
Peninsula Glass in Vancouver Washington makes outstanding double-pane RV windows, which you can order and install yourself, if you are reasonably handy.
If you stop at the Dollar store and get clear shower curtains they already have the holes in the top and you can keep them on all day after you take your blankets down if it's cold and boy do they ever change the temperature of the room.
Good ideas. Get a single pop up igloo tent for your bed; really warm. interior Velcro works great to keep the quilts & coverings up on the windows & doors. Good video.
At 9 minutes in I lost track of how many windows are in your Rig. So glad things are going in your direction, thanks for the great tour. Enjoy your travels.
I use a slightly larger mr. Buddy in a 34 foot Class A motorhome in Sub-Zero weather and it works great. When I use it in the minivan it will shut off because of low oxygen and I have to crank a window. The mr. Buddy already has a low oxygen Center because it can't burn gas without enough oxygen because you need oxygen to burn fuel. It's as simple as that.
Neat set up.....I hope u never have a fire because your place would go up in flames so fast. You have combustibles in every square inch of your home. Please have multiple, full fire extinguishers close at hand....
Geez, can you be a bit more doom and gloom? She only needs to never use damn candles and she will be alright. Inspect the extinguishers you have periodically by checking the gauge and confirm it is in the green, look into the nozzle for any obstructions then knock the tank against a tree or something a few times to break up any fire retardant inside it that may have clumped up. Know how to release the trigger to spray a fire before you need it. and do not hesitate to use it, grab it first not a towel to fan flames etc.. A fire will cause panic and knowing what you are doing eases that.
@Marcus Bustad I agree, I like all my stuff, but it makes me crazy, so 1ST THING I noticed & wanted to tell her is GET heavy duty boxes (in AK, we call them "Fish Boxes"). Nearly indestructible, wax coated (for shipping plastic bags of frozen salmon), same size as long dresser drawers, but attach a handle on the end...) ppl here use them instead of luggage. I saw her "overhead" place she keeps the blankets. Looked like a twin bed size. Use them as drawers, you pull them out to store/ get your stuff! I'd buy 2, slide them in & out, much cleaner look, WAAAY easier to organize, holds WEIGHT as well as volume. Maybe Duck Duck Go it (Not Google- they're evil).
90% of RV construction is wood, foam insulation and possibly Fibreglass (GRP) and thats before you think of gasoline, diesel, propane fuel and the combustable stuff n clutter inside.... In case of fire.... Dont try n fight it.... Just get out.
Carolyn, omg. The big secret about trapping heat is preventing air from moving. Closed cell foams are cheap the thicker the better. The blinds do nothing. Heat travels through the weakest point, both sideways and down. Locking exercise mats cut to shape will stop a major issue with the floor better than carpet. As for the windows a trip to a box hardware store for good Velcro and hard sheets of foam cut to size is the way to go! If you can feel cold air coming in a joint such as floor to wall then seal it with clear flexible silicone. Enjoyed watching you set up the blankets - thanks.
keep up the good work, because I'm learning so much from you guys!!😇 Yeah everything hole makes a difference, because we don't want to freeze to death!🙄
Hi Carolyn. Just found your channel. I bought my first camper in 2011 so I'm still kind of new at this camper stuff. I recently discovered that those propane sensors should be changed out about every 4 years or so. Mine kept beeping at me when I did not have any propane turned on. Didn't even have the line hooked up to the propane tank. Bought a new one and that beeping stopped. Not sure how old your sensor is but it might be worth your time and safety to look a that specs on it and change it out. Not hard to do at all. Have fun and stay warm.
Living in my rv for ten years. No Problem!! don't forget to keep some air circulating. Don't want to seal it up to tight, To prevent mold. And wrap those pipes with insulation. Especially the water line. Use A low voltage heat tape, to keep it from freezing.The door is A major source of heat loss. So make sure the weather stripping is good!!! Good electric heater with A thermostat, combined with the propane furnace, should keep you cozy!! From Canada on the west coast. major storm coming tonight. 5c. tonight no problem lots of rain!Snug as A bug in a rug in my R.V.
this may sound strange but I am watching this because her pronunciation of English is very clear and easy to understand to me. I am a non-native English user from Korea.
you must be from SOUTH Korea
Interesting
She mentioned Medford (I assume Oregon) growing up in the Pacific Northwest I have heard numerous times that our “English accent” is one of the clearest and most like written English. I’m not sure if this is proven of how a made up language could be clearest but maybe this is a good litmus test
Also subscribe to Frugal Queen in France she teaches English as a 2nd language and her pronunciation is great.
The same here, I'm Italian.
I'M watching because I might have to live in a van down by the river if things go bad.
Sr L 32 others ... same boat. God Bless America (because we need it.) Be afraid, there's a recession coming. EDIT Also maybe a war we didnt need. Actually dont be afraid! balance being prepared with enjoying because we only have now.
I got the Chris Farley reference. Funny stuff. Don't fall on the table!
Your not lieing ...
I've kept an old van just in case, it's used for storage now.
Me too / you never know
Make sure to tilt your blinds UP when you close them. Cold air naturally descends, so it will come into your living space if your blinds are tilted down. Tilting them UP will help keep cold air out.
That's what I do for my house too.
Just a suggestion: get mylar space/emergency blankets and sew them to the back of your thermal curtains. It will drastically improve your heat.
I can’t believe all the snarky comments on here. Carolyn’s motto is Be Happy, Be Free, Be Kind....... that being said, I say if you can’t be kind, be happy and go free yourself
That being said Carolyn, love your videos and your happiness is contagious. I so admire you for living your life your way
I've only watched one other van dweller & this just seems so shabby compared to his way of life.
@@samanthab1923 most vanlifer youtubers are just for show they have houses lol.
She's sure got a headstart on the rest of us with this economy and coming situations. I'm seriously considering this option.
@managing today I only see the one above about ‘shabby’ now. I did write this a year ago and would only have made the comment had there been such remarks. Perhaps they were taken down. Please just notice the good part of my comment
I think she's an original. There's not many .
On the floors in my 1971 Shasta camper I bought those puzzle fitting rubber mats for exercise equiptment. And did my floors all throughout by fitting them and trimming them to fit with a pair of scissors. I did it wall to wall, and I could walk on my floors in winter barefoot. Insulated the floors really good and it also looked really good also.....buy a terra cotta flower pot to fit over one of your stove burners. Place it upside down on a burner after it is lit and adjusted to a comfort zone you like and walla, a small heater. You can adjust the heat by using the burner when lit low med , and you can also use it on high . But I suggest only for about half an hour on high, dont want the pot to crack. You sister are doing great. Be safe out there pleas.
Great idea!!!!
I confess, I think I would just start the engine--and drive straight south to where the palm trees grow.
lmao I agree
I would get a job and rent an apartment if I didn't own my house and live like civilized folk..hell homeless in shelters live better then this..at least they have a warm bed and are not breaking the law or making towns crack down on use vacationers for stopping to take a break from driving and hassling us to convince them we aren't squatting..
Boring boring boring.
live on a 43 foot Yacht with a 156 pound timber wolf, named Madison. She is much cleaner, (and smarter) than anyone I know. The more people I meet, the more I like canines.
Derek, from what I've heard, your parents referred to you as the "useless mutt." You're welcome!
We spent $50 on a roll of the silver bubble insulation and cut it to the size of windows and it works great for both keeping cold out and keeping heat out during summer.
How well would the silver bubble insulation work on a newer metal over wood-frame 8' x 16' shed?, which I use for my weights and tinkering with my bike? Gets hot and cold in there about 1/3 of the time I use it. I don't want to use gloves with weights, due to the cold.
I was just going to comment about using bubble wrap until I saw your post.
@@kimberlyquintanilla5493 silver bubble insulation called refexit is excellent but would block all the light so regular plastic bubble wrap is great for windows.
@@williamthompson9261 reflexit is excellent for your application. You can even double it for higher rating. I plan to use it when I do a shed to house even under the floor to I dilate and keep out mice. Saw it on RUclips@ Boss of the Swamp in his cabin build.
Buy and install 3M window kits around the windows before hanging insulated drapes. It fits behind the blinds, easy to install, very reasonable prices. Really helps keep the drafts down to almost nothing.styrofoam cut to fit the floor under large area rug will help keep the floor warm or at least not bitter cold. See you have a microwave...make a small bag(a sock will do in a pinch) fill with white rice about 2/3 full.....heat in mic for 2 min.....these little cozy will keep you warm for hours.
I have lived in campers for the past 6 years because of work in Saskatchewan. It gets bitter cold here in winter months, like today -26 with the wind chill and it gets much worse. I have lived in this thing when it has gotten below -50 with the wind. For the first two years I used propane, and electric heat. I hated the cost of the electric and propane, and the moisture from propane was insane, so I removed my cooking stove, and built a heavy duty wood burning stove, and piped it out the side. Now I heat for free, and stays very hot even during the coldest nights here. When it gets to hot, I open a vent or a door and cool it down. I use the range to move the heat around. I also use wind generation to harvest power, and banks of batteries to store the power. Built the wind generator myself, and it works awesome. I love living this way, and probably always will live like this, and now many people are doing the very same thing, and the ones that are not, want to do the very same thing.
I need yo be coached on how to install a wood burning stove in my Winnebago. Sounds like such a GREAT idea!
How do you get rid of the Carbon Monoxide?
I bet you get alot of girlfriends this way lol
Adrian Mac Donald. Wow,!😀 I am pressed. Sounds like you are enjoying life. 🤗. Happy Trails. Jun 22,2019
Dude. I have been wondering where to put a stove in my 18ft rv your the fuckin man
I've worked my butt off raised four kids on my own and took care of people with Alzheimer's and other problems for over 16 year's and have been though alot in life and always thought about doing what ur doing right now I think no I know you have to be a strong person to over come over everything life throws at you so thank you for sharing your life story it is really helpful I know what I want now I have a very bad heart condition it's part of the reasons why I want to do this I've always said I wanted to do it and very soon I'll be able to do thank you and may god continue to bless you
I consider people like you the angels of the world. Sometimes the difficult things wear a person down, and they do damage to self esteem and personal dignity. But please know that to people like me, you are better than royalty or celebrity. You are the very highest level that a human being can achieve. So I hope that you feel that you have accomplished tremendous things, and are very proud of them. God Bless you for all that you have done.
Your story sounds very close to my own. I hope you get to realize your dream an I hope I will also.
Plz keep us informed if you hit the road cause I wanna do it too and if you do that will be more to incite me to do the same!! Best wishes!
Props, Carolyn!
You're not a part-timer know-it-all, You're a true nomad.
I'm a full-time RVer and I live in Canada. The winter temperatures we experience are a tad cooler than those you mention. I've lived comfortably for months of below zero temperatures that sometimes reach nearly 40F below. But I do have my furnace working properly - most of the time. Here are some tips for you:
1) If you must use a propane heater indoors, put it on top of your stove so as to take advantage of the stove-hood ventilation.
2) All your water lines to the kitchen run through the lower kitchen cabinets. Leave the cabinet doors open overnight so warm air from the cabin will keep those lines from freezing.
3) Ordinary automotive anti-freeze ( two cups per 20 gallon capacity) will keep your waste tanks from freezing at the temperatures your describe.
4) Your fresh water tank should be ¾ full..... NOT ¼ full. A quarter full tank will freeze loooong before a ¾ tank will. (A puddle freezes before a pond). Water only expands 9% as it freezes; you don't need much expansion space.
5) Pay attention to the comment here by Bobby Baldeagle. You MUST drain your pump as well as your lines. You can burn it out in as little as a few seconds if you turn it on when it has ice it. (how do I know that?!...... Not telling.....$130 for a new one.)
6) NEVER block your exit door like that. In case of a fire you'll never get over the dog (who will get excited) and with all that stuff on the floor...... Do you taste good when well done?
Happy RVing to you!
Great advice
Thanks for this. Years ago, in the lowest place in my life, I wanted to turn my back on the world and live on a shoestring in an RV. If there had been your videos, I might have done it. Fortunately, the VA rescued me, and with less stress I realized that RV life would have made me worse, not better. I love Winnemucca, and I'm glad there's no Starbucks there! Pretty good cafe though. Also a damn good man there dedicated to helping veterans and the young boys who often go astray in that desert place. Thanks and I wish you luck.
I wish I had this when I lived in my 34 foot Southwind, as I lived for 14 years in the old wreck! I never did half of what you do now. I did have a full sized Mr Buddy similar to yours and I survived, BARELY! I finally had to junk the old wreck as she was falling apart at the seams & I am now in an apartment, warm all winter, but no more travelling, but now I read about your travels & others and that satisfies my wanderlust. Thank you for your travels.
The best insulation is "just thin air" and bubble wrap works very well as an insulation on windows. Much, much better than blankets and cloth.
Insulation works well, also...
We live in a 5th wheel. One thing we do is get a roll of bubble wrap, it’s pretty cheap, and put it up on the windows! It makes a huge difference. Also take the same bubble wrap and cram it in any vents on the ceiling. Good luck everyone. Also we use the propane oven for heat! It gets really warm!
This is absolutely NOTHING that I want to do, but here I am and liking the video.
I do all of this boon-docking in MN during the middle of winter, just some added info that might help some people out, IF YOU HAVE ENOUGH SNOW: pile the snow along the bottom of the RV/Camper/vehicle so the wind isn’t blowing up from under :) helps me a ton!
Hi Carolyn, good video, two suggestions...
1. You might consider making your window insulation process easier by cutting some aluminum window insulation to the size of your windows and door and then using velcro tabs at the corners. One side for the RV walls, the other for the insulation panel. That way its easy on and easy off in minutes.
Like the idea of throw rugs for the floor. You might also consider a carpet remnant that you can cut around your cabinetry and bed and use with two way tape. If it gets dirty just toss out and replace but you'll have better insulation on the floor.
2. Also I guess you realize that having a 20 Gal LP tank inside your RV when you're using it is highly illegal. You risk a catastrophic explosion. When its in use it must be outside. Your Big Buddy heater is a great way to heat the RV. Also you need a LP alarm near your bedroom just in case. You did mention that you have a CO2 alarm, perfect.
Take care out there.
Rick -
1. Excellent tip. about the aluminum and the carpet remnants! Brilliant!
2. Thanks for the advice about the tank.. will run it outside. thanks!
I appreciate your great advice! - Carolyn
I relate. I've lived full time in a 1974 Airstream on a budget. Its creative living....unique & minimalist living.
Loved the video! Thank you. 😃💞💐
Hi Carolyn, So my wife and I were full-timers in a 1996 35 foot Class A Allegro Bay Motor home. We lived in it for a little over 5 years. Health issues made us switch back to a house. So I have a couple of suggestions for you. There are these grow mats that come in various sizes. I had a couple of 9 x 12 mats that sat on the freshwater and black water tanks. They only use 20 watts of power each and generate 70 degrees of heat which going up against really cold temps never let my tanks get colder than 39 degrees. Now to power them, at Harbor Freight for $19.95 I got a Solar battery charger which produced enough power to run the mats. So that's one suggestion. Another suggestion is to go behind Best buy or some electronic store and find a chunk of styrofoam that fits the space between the door and floor and then go behind a carpet store and find a scrap of foam rubber and a bit of carpet and glue the foam block to the foam rubber and the carpet scrap to the other side of the foam rubber . If you are dry camping and can have a campfire get a metal bucket and fill it with large flat river rock and place the bucket and the rock really close to the fire. The rocks will absorb a lot of the heat, Then bring the bucket inside and set it on the stove the rocks will radiate heat for about 8 to 10 hours. Keeping you nice and toasty. Last but not least calk all the walls inside the house at the floor. Well, that will keep you busy and a lot warmer.
Jeff strong, thank you for those suggestions.😀
Happy Trails (June 22, 2019)
Also, word of caution, do not put rocks directly in the fire or they can explode. But yes, the hot rocks really help. I have used them while tent camping in cold weather. I put them inside a towel inside my sleeping bag. Sadly they actually burned a hole in the towel which shocked me because they were not on fire when i put them in but live and learn. I stayed toasty warm that night whereas the night before I FROZE! I loved those rocks.
Wow you have lots of knowledge. I live in a tiny apt that's cold. the windows are bad. I've got thermal curtains and will put plastic on the windows soon. So I could put that pink Styrofoam on some windows and door to help keep warm?
Thanks again Jeff. You could write a book
Sweet!
In my mobile home I use blankets to insulate my windows. You would be surprised at how low my electric bill is. In winter I open my curtains so the sun can heat me my home in the day and close when sun goes down. You can do all sorts of things to save on your heating and cooling bill.
My Husband & I lived in our RV for over 11 years.
Really good advice.
Blessings to you.
God Bless You & Protect You Every Day Keep You In Prayers Amen
God BLESS u
Thank god god bless you
God Bless you. I love your ideas. I have 2 dogs and going to do the RV thing soon. Thanks for the ideas 👍✌
For the floor, I use a foam yoga mat or the foam squares from Harbor Freight Tools .keeps ir really warm on the floor. Put the rug over it.
Great idea! Thanks
We're going to do that!
That's a good idea
One of the great joys of RVing is to come back to it after a day of adventuring to a COMFORTABLE setting where one can get clean, fed and sleep. This video is eloquent testimony of the inconvenience and suffering RV owners are subjected to when trying to survive routine temperature extremes. The only alternative is the expense of "winterizing" and losing its use for months. Nearly the entire RV industry is at fault. All of the special accommodations outlined here are easy to incorporate into an RV when it is being designed and built. Until the public demands a better product, fiascos like this will be the rule.
Great video and tips, Carolyn. Here's a tip I've used before. Get bubble wrap and cut it to fit the window panes of a window, fill a spray bottle with water and put a couple of drops of dish soap then mist the windows and place the bubble wrap on the glass. It suctions right on and stays put. Then when you want to remove it, it comes right off. Then repeat the steps when you want it back up again. I reused mine a couple of winters. Happy trails!
Did the same, the difference is noticeable.
Missy B
Missy B--You didn't finish your comment! Put a couple of...What was next???
+Jacki Sweetwood "put a couple of drops of dish soap then mist the windows and place the bubble wrap on the glass. It suctions right on and stays put. Then when you want to remove it, it comes right off. Then repeat the steps when you want it back up again. I reused mine a couple of winters. Happy trails!"
Missy B Thanks!
I've gone from listening to fear-mongering Alex Jones since January of 2020, thinking everyone is hunkered down at home, til' last week, when I started binge-watching Your amazing travel channel. I can't wait to retire & live a similar lifestyle. May God continue to richly bless You & Your beautiful dog !! @6:55
Get spray insulating foam to spray around cracks also you can put clear insulating plastic to stop cold from creeping in at Windows. All this stuff can be had at a improvement home store. Use bedroom wool slippers when inside.
I was going to tell her some of the same things you talked about as well. The foam would help where that battery is at. Where the wires come in for her. Maybe even some thin foam sheets around and under it as well. You can just cut them to fit around it to help keep the cold out of that one spot.
Rick Ncarolina j
Ggfg
Rick Ncarolina kjhgcc
if she is using a heater which uses any kind of combustion i dont think that is a safe idea.
I love people that have skills to survive and are ready for whatever comes up
Not sure why I'm watching this, I don't have an RV!!
Because its interesting and informative. Im watching and I don't have an R V either
Samantha Browne I feel the same way you do !...maybe in the future it might be handy
@@sharonpurnell7316 yes pretty 😎
I'm thinking about purchasing some sort of r.v! And still I'm WONDERING why I'm WATCHING and making a COMMENT 😊This is informative!
Samantha Browne. Lol
I remember watching this video 7 years ago. I love your positive energy! Carolyn this video was what inspired me to go fulltime. You still continue to inspire me!!!
Lmao "Now that I think about it, that might have been the lost and found." That was hilarious.
In past years I've owned four RV's: a class A, two Class C's, and finally a Clasd B. I found that by permanently installing a catalytic heater at floor level the vehicle stays warm. I agree with covering the windows to insulate them. In the Class C and B, simply blocking the driver compartment by hanging a blanket across the opening makes a big difference. A catalytic heater uses very little propane and produces radiant heat to warm up objects it's facing. I never used the built-in furnace because the fan motor always ran the battery down.
Hey Carolyn, I learned a few years ago that if you slant your blinds toward the window it helps to keep the cold air from flowing in. When they are slanted toward the room the cold air does literally pour through them. Give it a try.
I'm loving your video. I'm getting great ideas for my van!
I'm fascinated with insulation and love being warm and protected while it's cold outside. This was great.
I love cold ...blankets work. Its the heat that i hate unless you have a/c its miserable
Miserable but, the fans keep my utility bill down. On a fixed income, ac is but one of many things I had to give up.
I like cold also,but what she is living is nothing like a hot flash thing, it's a life threatening cold.
Harbor freight tools moving blanket $8 need heavy duty hooks to hang works gr8 + mr buddy heater keep a window cracked best wishes!
Just a note the Buddy Heater does have a CO-2 monitor that will shut itself down. One problem is the propane tank inside is not a good idea. The valve can leak. I use the same heater all the time but I do put the gas outside via a wire/ hose trap door on the side of the camper. Nice video just watch the gas. Best you.
Yup, was just reading that.. thanks for the tips and concern.. Will be careful! :-)
Carolyn's RV Life i use a big buddy propane heater in my 03 32 ft travel trailer. It works amazing. as always propane heaters indoor or outdoor produces moisture and uses oxygen. I also use a 40 quart dehumidifier and keep a window cracked. I've gotten home to 15° and in no time I'm in shorts!!!!
I love sleeping in a hoodie and also wrapping a soft blanket sort of around my head gently and it helps so much and cozy
Cork tile floors for insulation. Seal the top with clear finish.
You do many good things, but may I make a suggestion? I live in a 46' fifth wheel trailer. What I did is I got 5 cast iron pans from five, and dime shops. I stack them all together, and set them on the burner on the stove. I only put it on low, and those cast pans heat up, and the heat that comes from them is incredible. Also when you turn the fire off the pans stay hot for a long time.
George Foltz ogh ok
What an incredible idea! I will definitely try the cast iron pans.
Just don't do this if you have any pet birds. Cast iron fumes kill the little guys. Even simply cooking with it. Stay warm gentlemen : )
when I went hunting in my dads 23 foot 5th wheel it had one of them dumb furnace with a fan, that kill the battery's in one night, we set the oven to 300F and stuck a fork in the door to keep it open just a crack and it kept use taste at -10
ADVENTURES with Christian this cast iron idea is wonderful and if you would put water in the top one the humidity makes it even warmer
UHaul moving pad blankets are good for insulation and keeping light out. And theyre only $5 at Harbor Freight.
Good info thanks.
Excellent Idea!!!! Then I can stop stealing from Laundromat Lost and found piles! :-p
thank you.
I tried to buy some used a long time ago and it was impossible. Moving company's said that they keep using until they literally are falling apart. New are much to expensive in Ontario. I'm going to be on the outlook for alternative sources now. Everybody should do the same and report back here what they find.
Eric Baker -- very good chose Iv stored 2 of them awary.
Carolyn's RV Life Yes. Just trying to keep u out of trouble. lol.
These are even practical and helpful ideas for my home. Anything to help my propane last longer. Thank you for sharing. Stay safe and blessed!
Hi Carolyn! Your post was a godsend! I am full-timing currently due to a move from one city to another, and heading where it is colder (LA to SFO) so very worried about how to keep warm. I bought solar panels but not installed yet. House furnace is a pain, and like you said, a huge drain on battery, generator, gas, and propane. Plus it overheats the RV. I need a steady small source of heat that can be controlled with a thermostat. The little Buddy heater looks just right! I think if I keep a window slightly open, that should do it.
Its very heartening to know that you can camp even in snow, your post gave me a huge morale boost, thank you!!
Now, to pass you some of my tips...
I just installed wood flooring and ripped out old carpet. What I used as underlayment is called Silent Silver (or Silent Blue) from Amazon. 1/8" thick. You can get thicker versions. It cuts down road noise, insulates, is a moisture barrier, and gives cushioning to wood floor. Underlayment is the key. You can also slip this into door panels, walls, around battery box (leave holes open) and inside exterior storage areas to cut down noise, and insulate.
From Fabric.com, I bought a rubber blackout cloth called Roclon Blackout Cloth. Mine is white. I made curtains for every window, that were lined with rubber lining to block out light and keep heat in. My curtain tracks were from IKEA, and I used drapery pin hooks (also IKEA) with shirring tape. I also bought Reflectix from Amazon, which is a bubble wrap with foil on both sides, same as your windshield folding shades. For $50 you get a large roll that will do all the windows on 3 RVs. Just cut out window shape, and wedge into window frame. If there is not enough traction, use Velcro. Reflectix + Lined Curtains keep you warm!
Lass-in Angeles q
Where do you get the cheapest fabric? I need 6x6 for spray protection and I tried dollar store and jo anns, but it is too expensive.
Benjamin Brinkmann Go to a thrift shop or use big thick towels:)
I use hot water bottles to warm the bed, and keep heat in while i sleep.
Hi Carolyn, I'm enjoying your video series. I just moved into my Silver Eagle Class A and will be hitting the road very soon with my Harley hauler in tow.
I am in upstate NY right now and have already seen minus16 degrees Fahrenheit. I'm lucky to have a working furnace, and when I heard you "drenched your furnace in WD40", I wanted to let you know that WD is not a lubricant, it will actually wash away lubricant and leave your bearings dry. You could try an actual lubricant, go to the hardware store and ask the smartest looking employee and I'm sure you will be directed to the right stuff...
Maybe I'll see you on the road somewhere! Be safe, be happy, be yourself,...Garry
For more RV Winterizing Tips to Stay Warm n Freezing Temperatures, check out the blog:
www.carolynsrvlife.com/2016/12/11/how-to-stay-warm-in-your-rv-in-the-winter/
Carolyn's RV Life there's this stuff I think I sent you a message about it but I just found some other stuff called insul bright if you look it up on Amazon and I'll give you a really good description for it and all you have to do is like velcro it to the inside of your curtains the other stuff I had sent you a message about I have at my house but it's quite pricey I just got my 99 1 ton Dodge Ram Maxi van and it has a lot of Windows in it so I'm going to use this stuff from now on because wow it's so much cheaper and then I'm just going to go throw it around my windows does the same thing keeps the heat out and keeps warm in
Carolyn's RV Life
Carolyn's RV Life
Carolyn's RvLifeRV Life
Carolyn's RV Life is
I live in North Pole Alaska. I have seen the weather down to -65 F and grew up in Alaska in a trailer house built in the lower 48 during the 60s. Very cold! The padding and carpet does add a lot of insulating value. As does quilts over windows and doors. The plastic window coverings adhered with the included double stick tape creates an air pocket that insulates. We open the sink cabinet doors to put more hot air to that area when it is extra cold outside, simple to do and it helps. Good luck from the land of the midnight sun and winter midday moon :)
Your bearings are out in your furnace fan. It is a cheap, easy diy fix. I live full time in my fifth wheel :)
Commenting hoping she will see it
I was going to say the same thing
I have done replaced my all-in-one power unit (breaker box, fuse panel, DC converter) myself ($600 in parts). That was last winter.
And I am currently replacing my furnace. I bought a new one that is 5,000btu larger (35,000btu). Now I have to add 2 more 4" round flex ducts.
My bathroom didn't have heat, nor did my cargo room. That will be remedied shortly.
I am $610 deep so far. (That is only because I bought a $100 multimeter.) I predict another $100ish to finish it. But everything I do in my camper is self repaired AND upgraded. I am too poor to hire a service guy.
All my power unit needs to be a 50amp service now, is the 50amp shore cord. The rest is done. But I am backwards compatible to with the way I designed it.
I can still power both combined legs on one 30amp outlet. Or I can even still run it on a 15amp household receptacle.
A 50amp box is actually dual 50amp breakers. Where as a 30amp box, is a single 30amp breaker. But my power unit is technically a dual 30amp service. I run two 30amp mains on a 50amp shore cord when I get one bought.
But electricity just comes naturally to me (AC or DC) and I am a self taught electrician that does everything by the code book.
ELECTRICITY CAN KILL YOU!!!
DON'T DO THAT KIND OF WORK UNLESS YOU "FULLY" KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING!!!!!
I live in a bus. I used either a Mr. Buddy Propane heater, or my wood burning cast iron stove. Which I have actually had a small wood burning stove in an small RV before. Just insulate the bottom legs with bricks, and pipe out through the roof hatch
I can install a woodstove in a trailer or RV with a chimney and you will love it. It can heat up an RV to 90 degrees F and outdoors it can be minus 35F
it would be hard to make a video about it.... because I don't have an RV or trailer to work with... but I've done it before for myself and lots of my customers.... "I'm the chimney guy"... which means I rebuild chimneys and I install woodstoves too, for the past 20 years... I love the work!
any use of rocket stove ?
there are a lot of small stoves that are available from Finland that I've purchased here in Canada they are stainless steel no problem to install and a 4 inch circular vent is all that's needed to work for the chimney... but with a wood stove in an rv or trailer you need to open a window a crack, for extra oxygen so the fire doesn't go out and some decent hardwood
sounds nice. have thought about getting one.
i meant one with a barrell over it to radiate heat as well as convect heat ..with a stove pipe to vent the gasses
God Bless you woman. I know things have been rough for you.
Very informative. I have dry camped in Illinois in the winter before (in the snow) in my 38' Class A with 2 children and a dog. We were warm and toasty with our propane heater.
Lived in my car for a whole winter in Colorado a few years back when I was homeless. Before that I never panhandled and contrary to belief in a mid sized city at least here people are pretty generous. It was was always lower to middle class people that helped me out. Not once did I ever see someone in a Mercedes give me even a dollar. To save money I lived and slept in my car most nights. I'd find cardboard at the back of restaurants like mcdonalds and cut outlines so they would fit snuggly in all my windows. I would then take a large metal coffee can, buy a bunch of those cheap small candles, and put them inside the can and light it. I also used lots of blankets. Some nights when it got really bad like 20 bellow I'd have to turn my engine on for a few minutes but for the most part I was able to sleep pretty warm. As far as places go I would usually just park at a walmart as far out of the way as possible and never got bothered once. It wasn't pleasant though being 6 foot 2 inches tall but long story short had it not been for people helping me out I would have probably froze to death. Some people would drive by and yell things like "get a job" not knowing how moronic their statements where. If someone is homeless in the middle of winter getting a job doesn't fix everything. Most of the time when you get a job you have to wait almost 2 weeks if your lucky but most of the time 3 to 4 weeks to even get your paycheck. That isn't going to keep you warm or fed in the meantime. Long story short I eventually had enough saved up to move into a place and get a job. It was definitely an experience but I wouldn't want to ever do it again.
Isn't thatvtrue? Who do u think gives during weather disaster? US . I would bet going by how many -not how much tl
-we who know poverty are the winners.
I'm glad it was only that 1 Winter. Good 4 u.
GET A JOB!
You gotta hubba hubba your camera man to stay warm
@Gayle Elizabeth I am really glad to read this! If only there were more people like you!! You know I use to think like your friends (when I was younger) But you have made such a valid point!
Even with a job ,it doesn't always mean you wont be homeless places are expensive
Have you tried putting cardboard on your floors? It really makes a difference...we found fridge boxes at a local furniture store and covered all the floors in our RV. Used duct tape on all seams.....if any of the cardboard gets wet simply replace those pieces. We also use a free standing propane heater in our RV and ALWAYS keep a windows cracked in kitchen & bedroom.
Lyn Lewis Lady, I bought carpet from those big rolls at Lowe’s, cut it to size. It cost me $ 28.- for the whole thing .I can take it up to clean and I really do not have to worry about it getting whet.... If you can not afford that, then you should not spend a winter up north.
We live in northern Canada...our floors get wet due to snowy boots. The cardboard is insulation under the throw rugs.. thought you would appreciate the info.. having cardboard under the carpets kept our floors toasty warm..much warmer then just the carpet .
To keep the draft off your head turn your mini blinds upside down facing up. You'll block more light and air this way! :) Try it!
i'M DEFINITLY going to add insulation in my cabinets. It would be worth the time to do it. Rv's need all the extra insulation they can get! I'm a first timer and cant believe how cold RV's get in winter time!! And I can also feel some rooms are colder than others. But the Buddy heaters are very good heat!! And so are electric blankets in bed 😁👍 Mine doesnt seem to use much electricity at all!!
These are all cool tips for staying warm in an RV. Thanks for your ideas.
Bubble wrap on windows lets in light, keeps out cold
Oh i see . I thought the insulation /reflective material will keep more heat in compared to bubble wrap.
absolutely bubble wrap works great I do it on my house and I hate the house with the fireplace only we don't even turn on the furnace so I'm going to do the same to our RV we have a bounder 40 ft 2000
Try using heavy paint plastic from any store and tape it all around your windows & hang a blanket around your door it helps a lot
tiny bubbles?
That’s good
My Mr. Buddy would not relight at 2:00 AM because of lack of ventilation. It was 20 degrees and I was freezing. The next night I left the window open a crack and it worked fine.
winky phillips They have an oxygen depletion sensor inside.
You always need a window cracked open while using a Mr. Buddy.
**If that sensor had failed**, you could have died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Thank you for keeping it real with all the technical difficulties that come with living in an rv
A better alternative to those blankets,are squared sleeping bags(not mummy) instead.
They can be found cheaply on Amazon,Ebay,or at Walmart.
You can either use Velcro,or curtain hooks to hang them.
As for the pipes freezing.
I would get some some pipe insulation from Lowe's or Home Depot and wrap all the pipes underneath the RV with it and and secure it with duct tape.
For the battery box,a cheap styrofoam cooler could be cut and glued into place to line the inside,as well as the lid.
You still need to leave some kind of venting for the battery,to prevent gas build up,and possible combustion.
For the leaks along the floor seams.
I would get a couple of cans of Great Stuff poly foam,and run a bead of it underneath along the seams of the RV,anywhere I could access.
and a better alternative to that would be putting clear plastic over the windows to where is completely air tight been used for centuries. Why are people trying to reinvent the wheel with sleeping bags and overs etc etc. propane heater inside ehhh no thanks kerosene heater burns far better and cleaner with no smell
Tt Ss plastic being used for centuries? I think you might need some education on plastic and it being invented after the second world war . poly window plastic in the late 1960's. nice for covering home windows but in trailers and RVs it can be hard to keep taped to the window and even harder to keep from ripping. also when you want fresh air in the day time your shit outta luck
Great job, I have lived in several RVs until I got tired of being alone, I had them on a shop yard where I worked but whenever I visited my family I had so much fun I eventually moved with them, but I really loved the freedom and peace and quiet!
Just remember this. Cold doesn't travel, heat does. Cold is not a thing, but the absence of a thing, namely heat. The distinction actually does make a difference. Your desire is to hold as much heat inside your RV since the natural state is for hot objects to lose that heat to a less energetic environment. Now, heat loss comes from convection (moving air), conduction (contact), and radiation. You are taking good steps towards blocking convection, just remember hot air rises and cold air sinks. Insulating your floors would be a good idea since they will be cooling off your interior space by conduction. You can also use cheap $1 mylar space blankets (silver side in) to cover those windows. All in all, from a survival standpoint you are on the right track.
This is the video that actually got me following you 😊I’m revisiting it now after a few years and it still brings me so much joy!! 😃❤️
I am so impressed with your resourcefulness! It is obvious that you thoroughly enjoy the life you have chosen. I hope we meet in our travels someday.
Thank you Joyce, I appreciate that!
Something most people do not know, is that, propane does NOT produce carbon monoxide, but instead, carbon dioxide, which is heavier than air, and will sink to the floor. This is why propane powered vehicles are used in warehouses. I have lived in RV's for over 25 years, and not had any serious issues. In winter, I insulate my windows with bubble wrap, which keeps the heat in, but also lets light in, without sacrificing your privacy. I am a stationary engineer, with a propane certification.
Terry Wilson thank you for the information and about the bubble wrap that's awesome thanks have a great day
Thank you Terry! That makes perfect sense because the instructions for the sensor tell us to install it near the floor. I sleep on the bed and sit in the chairs, the only time I'm near the floor is if I dropped something and it rolled out of sight :) Thanks again!!
I used to work weatherizing homes and the best thing to do is to use caulking to seal your cracks especially around the windows even if you have to caulk them shut, the caulking does peel off later, the clear is best for peeling off caulk along your floors especially outside walls you'll definitely feel the difference
Um....yes, burning propane DOES make CO. It's also a "wet exhaust" as well.
How do you attach the bubble wrap to your windows?
Try bubble wrap on your windows.
Free in dumpsters behind furniture stores.
Get the glass damp and it will just stick on.
Also at Home depot they might have a flooring material like a yoga mat.
Around 20.00 for for a 4x8 sheet.
Insulates really well and rolls up easily later.
I even put it under my bedding and in front of my door.
It's often -20 here in Canada.
The reason people remove the carpet is DIRT. WATER, and hard to keep clean.
No offense meant. What I am trying to say is that carpet is tough to keep clean in an rv. You had mentioned that lots of people take it out . Sorry.
Charles Adamski_1
Interesting video. You are a brave, pretty lady. Sending prayers your way for Safety.
So cozy
Nice comment
RV furnaces are so inefficient... I use a big buddy and space heaters when on AC.... The big buddy heats my 34foot rig up super hot.. Big buddy heaters are safe for indoors... Has a low oxygen cutoff and tip over protection.... I always keep my sky light open a touch to vent.... I aslo have a CO2 detector.... I keep my 20lb tank outside and run it in a hole under my rig through the dinette storage... Good job on air leaks.... Its weird but my rig is 27 years old and the only draft I get is from the door... I also have on most of my windows a clear plastic sheet over the windows... you cant see it unless you run your hand under the wood blinds..
Window film put up with the double stick tape (the kind you smooth with a blow dryer) works wonders on drafty windows while letting light in. It does not interfere with window coverings and can be left on year round to save on a/c. Try it out. Alternatively, try window quilts. 👍
Sounds like a great idea- I'll look into that. thanks!
Carolyn's RV Life we leave it up year round and cover it with an upholstery cloth window shade (Roman shade). It would work even better with your blankets, as shown, or window quilts.
good to know! TY
Carolyn's RV Life You are welcome. Am enjoying and learning so much. Thank you!
At 0:24 *"It's SNOWING!!!" A wonderful woman I once knew said that very thing JUST LIKE YOU just did. If one has to look at Ads I don't mind one iota if they are HEATER ADS. Kudos to you and yours.*
Howard.. awww. its sounds like a lovely memory. Thank you!!
I can't request the types of ads on my channel.. sorry. :-(
I had a feeling that was the case. So you got a boyfriend? Cuz I am *available for that role if you had a mind to...* I'm up in Warshington above Oregon. If I knew your email I could shoot you my phone number. I'm EZ on the eyes and like all the usual stuff. I'm 64.
Mr.Buddy is the man!Lol.Love that guy.Kept me warm in my truck all winter and I'm still alive.He didn't kill me and has safety features so it doesn't kill you.Worth its weight in gold.
Thanks for sharing about the Mr. Buddy. I live in my horse trailer and use the same heater with the one pound tanks and don’t run it at night. Recently bought the hose attachment and filter but was concerned about using the big propane tank inside. Next winter I will feel more comfortable knowing it is safe.
I have NO drafts in my travel trailer, as I sealed & caulked EVERY seaming point....from the roof, walls, to floor & undercarriage of my RV. I have never had drafts. I reseal my rubber roof, every year. Caulk around the plumbing openings. Spray foam insulation is great too. I do have wall to wall carpet, with high end padding. My propane heater is awesome, and keeps me warm. I am going to install a small corner wood burning fireplace, utilizing lots of flashing, reinforcing the floor joists/flooring, with a retractable flue. I know lots of RVer's who have installed fireplaces, that work well as secondary heat, and saves money on propane. I won't be able to have my swivel rocker, anymore, but it will be worth it, considering I am a year round RVer. If you can't replace you RV windows, you can get plexiglass, cut to size, then clear caulk in.
I utilize heat lamps, outside & under my RV, at the holding tanks & pipes, then wrap the bottom of the RV to hold the heat in....keeps the floor warm, too.
Make sure your hot water heater is warmed, too....the water left in will freeze, expand & crack the hot water heater. Or you can empty the hot water heater.
Diane Morgan, do you use any special caulking? Explain, pls wrapping the bottom of your RV. I'm new at this and have much to learn. Thank you.
Happy Trails June 22, 2019
Great advise thank you on her behalf
Diane,
You sound smart and brave! Do you have your travels on RUclips also?
I was wondering where my blanket disappeared to!
David Cripps shouldn’t have gone to the bathroom while it was in the dryer. And I’m just kidding
Dang I was about to claim it!😂
David Cripps good sense of humor lol
😄😂😄😃
David Cripps looks like it went where it was needed most.
I'm in England, the weather is mostly crap, I've been living in my camper for 3 years now, I've got a woodburner I love it, it's the only way 👍
Carolyn, I lived in an ancient 1973 Dodge Class C camper for 12 years here on Long Island, that was so drafty that you could fly a kite inside when the wind was blowing outside. During those 12 years, I only had access to full electric for about 5 years. During those 5 years, I used an electric heater when possible/practical, but used a 10,000 BTU radiant kerosene heater the rest of the time.
Kerosene heaters are pretty clean-burning, put out a lot of heat, are economical, and you have zero danger of explosion(unlike propane heaters - and you are taking SERIOUS risks having that propane tank *inside* your RV!). Propane heaters also generate about 1lb of water vapor for every lb of propane burnt. Get yourself a 10k BTU radiant kerosene heater(about$120), keep a couple of spare wicks on-hand, and become an expert at changing them yourself. I got nearly 5(!) *years* out of ONE wick, by using only the clear kerosene that Hess/Speedway sells. These heaters run for about 12 hours on a tank, and the tank is removable so you can refill it without any interruption to your heater's operation. Compared to kerosene, propane heaters are inefficient and expensive to run.
I speak from a dozen years of first-hand experience.
S Paulsen f
You are so right about the kerosene heater. I lived two years on an old boat and that was the heat and I'd slow cook cheese sausage in a cast iron pan, on top. Good times :)
I've lived in a small house in the country and I had a kerosene heater you have to have good ventilation which she seems to have right now but I didn't hear you tell her that she needed the ventilation
I had one they just threw up a lot of hate but you still have to have you still have to be well-ventilated but the outside door wasn't cut right so there was like a 2-inch there was a 2-inch drop from the frame so I have plenty of air coming in if someone told you that propane was safe and then another person said it was dangerous that accepts explosive so you know I mean I wouldn't buy it if it's explosive I wouldn't buy anything with the propane I would definitely go a kerosene or find some kind of solar power heater
what kind of fumes does kerosene put out compared to propane just wondering
I'd recommend getting carpet tile if you want an inexpensive and simple way to install carpeting yourself.
Fredrick Laverdiere I bought carpeting and cut it to size. It is easy to take out to clean and it does not move and really keeps the floor warm. So, I have wall to wall carpeting, but can take it out easily.
Fredrick Laverdiere Fredrick yepper
I've seen the carpet squares at Habitat stores,... around $2 each.... easy to install without adhesive.
I custom fit several windshield reflectors on my RV windows, makes a big difference especially in summer. Bigger rolls at Home Depot.... very cheap.
Not sure if you live in your RV anymore, but i live in an old remodeled trailer house. Problem is they didn't replace any windows. I go to the craft section in dollar general and find those white foam craft boards. I cut them to exact fit for the windows and jam those in the casing, wedging it in there against the glass. They cut down our heating bills significantly! Plus you could double up on them even or use heavy duty duct tape around the edges. We don't even use the windows here, half of them are painted completely shut and won't open, so I just leave the foam up all year unless it's warped.
The bathroom toilet can also be filled with antifreeze for plumbing, sold at a hardware store. Make sure it says -50 degrees F and it will keep the toilet from freezing. This year I went to Home Depot and got some white, 4ft long by 2 feet wide insulation. 6 come in the package, and I put them in my windows through the 2020-21 winter. I also got some plywood and painted it 2 times, both sides, (2ft by 4ft long plywood) and I laid them up against the base of the bottom of my PleasureWay van to help keep the wind and snow from getting under the van. The 12 pieces of plywood helps so much better and can be put under the van storage and can insulate against the heat in summer too.(I live in Canada, so I cope with ice and snow).
hi, I have the Big Buddy heater and they burn so clean, they don't have to be vented. it has an oxygen sensor, tip over shut off and no pilot shut off. Great indoor heaters! The heater is approved for Indoor use. great video
Thank you! Yes the Big buddy has been great! Glad I bought it! thanks for watching!
Terry..
Where in rockies
Generally??
Is there a remote rv park that you found or apiece of land? I know that 5g TECH will wipe out most of human life AGENDA21/30
I choose to be away from Gwen towers in the trees as the trees block the HRZ SIGNALS very well.
I hope you reply
D.J. ...Glad to see someone out there is awake!
hurricane Michael
hi. can I advise you to buy roof insulation on a roll like the one u use at the front and back of your van. but what we did was we put velcro on the wall and on the insulation and it made a very tight seal I also sewed the blanket fabric on to the insulation. also we made a yacht stove/heater out of flower pots it's amazing there is videos on line how to make it. you use tea lights in it. all the best.
Good idea.........
It dissipates the heat more evenly, that's all!
it worked for us. thanks guys
jjmunna
jjmunna
Hi, I'm not tryingto be a bud-dingskie..but I had to call a 5th wheel home for about 3 years, No Fun at all.
But on the brighter note, I learned a lot.
I do remember seeing a type of heater that you hang in your window, solar powered during the day.
An at night or whenever desired, you turn it on, an enjoy what the heater absorbed while in the window.
Being it solar powered you'll save on battery & propane.
I'm now in my home, but still would like to add these to my home.
Just an idea. An I SO agree with "crabtree". Oh my goodness what a change in temperature the Window kits make. Homedepot has had the best deals, fyi.
I wish you well. Be safe.
I lived in a 24-foot RV for several years in Oklahoma and it gets cold and I just heated with my burner on my cook stove it was propane I did use a little fan to circulate the air I'm still here hadn't died yet
Ok something you may not know. I saw your battery when you lifted the cover. When It goes bad get two 6 volt Golf cart batteries. they will last a couple days if you can't charge them up. It is all about Reserve AMP NOT cranking amps. You may or may not have room. but if it can be created you will be very happy with the expense. Two of those batteries can be between 200 and 300 dollars. All though I did see some at Costco for 89 dollars each a while back. That is why big tractors and trucks run several 6 volt batteries. then if you want to add an invert er to watch T.V. or other things like medical equipment it can be done all night with out battery problem.
I second the two 6 volt battery recommendation! I picked up two at Sams Club for around $85 each and couldn't be happier. I also have a 100W Solar Panel on the roof. We dry camped in Yellowstone for a week, only running the generator occasionally to run the microwave at meal time. NEVER had a battery issue. We used a small inverter to run the TV at night for movies (he had three teenagers with us). Just make sure you wire them correctly!
David Leeret
Jeff Horton
Our RV has 4 deep cycle Golf Cart Batteries for the "House" & 2 huge 12 volt batteries for the diesel engine "Chassis." 4 years ago, I hooked up 2- 100 watt Solar Panels to both battery banks with the controller diverting current the bank in need. We can watch the TV and DVD player all night. When the sun comes up, the batteries are at full charge within 2-3 hours on a sunny morning.
Peninsula Glass in Vancouver Washington makes outstanding double-pane RV windows, which you can order and install yourself, if you are reasonably handy.
thanks for the tip
My pleasure.I installed these a few at a time in my camper until I had all of the windows replaced.They really helped.
Hey Javabear! Hi there. That's right, you've seen it.
Thank you,you are very kind.
may God bless you girl it's people like you who make the world go round
If you stop at the Dollar store and get clear shower curtains they already have the holes in the top and you can keep them on all day after you take your blankets down if it's cold and boy do they ever change the temperature of the room.
Use plastic bubble cushion ,on your windows ,it keeps cold out , I use it at my home and it keeps cold out and heat in 😊
Good ideas. Get a single pop up igloo tent for your bed; really warm. interior Velcro works great to keep the quilts & coverings up on the windows & doors. Good video.
since I live in an RV, when it gets cold like that I Drive South.
Robert Matthews right
Atta boy!
LOL...yep
@Flatus Antiquitous Florida's nice. Just not downtown in any major city.
Florida is not the only southern state in case you didn't know.
At 9 minutes in I lost track of how many windows are in your Rig. So glad things are going in your direction, thanks for the great tour. Enjoy your travels.
This is so inspiring and you're a fabulous role model for someone who wants to break free from structured society. Thanks for the video!
I use a slightly larger mr. Buddy in a 34 foot Class A motorhome in Sub-Zero weather and it works great. When I use it in the minivan it will shut off because of low oxygen and I have to crank a window. The mr. Buddy already has a low oxygen Center because it can't burn gas without enough oxygen because you need oxygen to burn fuel. It's as simple as that.
Neat set up.....I hope u never have a fire because your place would go up in flames so fast. You have combustibles in every square inch of your home. Please have multiple, full fire extinguishers close at hand....
Geez, can you be a bit more doom and gloom? She only needs to never use damn candles and she will be alright.
Inspect the extinguishers you have periodically by checking the gauge and confirm it is in the green, look into the nozzle for any obstructions then knock the tank against a tree or something a few times to break up any fire retardant inside it that may have clumped up. Know how to release the trigger to spray a fire before you need it. and do not hesitate to use it, grab it first not a towel to fan flames etc.. A fire will cause panic and knowing what you are doing eases that.
@Marcus Bustad I agree, I like all my stuff, but it makes me crazy, so 1ST THING I noticed & wanted to tell her is GET heavy duty boxes (in AK, we call them "Fish Boxes"). Nearly indestructible, wax coated (for shipping plastic bags of frozen salmon), same size as long dresser drawers, but attach a handle on the end...) ppl here use them instead of luggage. I saw her "overhead" place she keeps the blankets. Looked like a twin bed size. Use them as drawers, you pull them out to store/ get your stuff! I'd buy 2, slide them in & out, much cleaner look, WAAAY easier to organize, holds WEIGHT as well as volume. Maybe Duck Duck Go it (Not Google- they're evil).
90% of RV construction is wood, foam insulation and possibly Fibreglass (GRP) and thats before you think of gasoline, diesel, propane fuel and the combustable stuff n clutter inside.... In case of fire.... Dont try n fight it.... Just get out.
Northy has
Marcus Bustad she does have some. Legally you have to have at least one
Carolyn, omg. The big secret about trapping heat is preventing air from moving. Closed cell foams are cheap the thicker the better. The blinds do nothing. Heat travels through the weakest point, both sideways and down. Locking exercise mats cut to shape will stop a major issue with the floor better than carpet. As for the windows a trip to a box hardware store for good Velcro and hard sheets of foam cut to size is the way to go! If you can feel cold air coming in a joint such as floor to wall then seal it with clear flexible silicone. Enjoyed watching you set up the blankets - thanks.
keep up the good work, because I'm learning so much from you guys!!😇 Yeah everything hole makes a difference, because we don't want to freeze to death!🙄
Hi Carolyn. Just found your channel. I bought my first camper in 2011 so I'm still kind of new at this camper stuff. I recently discovered that those propane sensors should be changed out about every 4 years or so. Mine kept beeping at me when I did not have any propane turned on. Didn't even have the line hooked up to the propane tank. Bought a new one and that beeping stopped. Not sure how old your sensor is but it might be worth your time and safety to look a that specs on it and change it out. Not hard to do at all. Have fun and stay warm.
Did you check the batteries on the old one? most will start beeping if the battery is low.
Well, I meant the 12v sensor, the LP sensor. Ha ...thinking one thing and typed the other. haha.
Living in my rv for ten years. No Problem!! don't forget to keep some air circulating. Don't want to seal it up to tight, To prevent mold. And wrap those pipes with insulation. Especially the water line. Use A low voltage heat tape, to keep it from freezing.The door is A major source of heat loss. So make sure the weather stripping is good!!! Good electric heater with A thermostat, combined with the propane furnace, should keep you cozy!! From Canada on the west coast. major storm coming tonight. 5c. tonight no problem lots of rain!Snug as A bug in a rug in my R.V.
Please note she is living off the grid and does not have 120 volt power to run an electric heater or heater tape.
Sorry Carolyn, I love Bob, he knows the in and outs of camping full time ! I always watch Bob!❤️
Me too luv both of their channels 💞💞