So many of us are out here praying for you! I truly appreciate your honesty and candor, I’ve been drawn to the RV lifestyle for about 5 years, although life dictates a slow emergence into full time, but I can honestly say, your channel along with S&S and the RV cats, Lost On Land Again, Glorious Life On Wheel, Camper van Kevin, CheapRVliving, HOWA, and so many others, have shown me MY people. Each channel I watch is completely different from each other, but the common, undeniable thread is, the love you have for others. What you two have taught me is to dream a dream, then get busy making it a reality!
Don’t change who you are. My husband and I suggest to other people to watch your channel. You got this. Good things don’t come easy or fast. We have been full time now for 2.5 years. Last year was very hard because of Covid, but we’re sticking with it. I Gotta say my husband and I are also an odd couple. We bicker the same way you guys do. 😂We lived a year and a half in a 16 foot trailer with a crawl over bed and if you don’t get along and don’t kill each other by that time you know you’re going to make it. We got stuck in Texas for a summer in that tiny trailer because of Covid and it was a nightmare. Somehow though things always work out. Never lose faith never ever ever. God is good💜
Oh Mercedes and John, I appreciate you so. Storytime: my husband and I bought our RV the same time as you. We also live full time in our RV, a 2019 Jayco North Point with our 19 year old son. Soon after we sold all our belongings in pursuit of independence, freedom and adventure My cancer came back. So now we've been living in a trailer park in SE Portland since March of 2019. It has been amazing to watch you guys travel around the country. I often wished it was us. It's been amazing to watch Sage grow up, as our son also struggles with a similar diagnosis. It's amazing that you have taken the step to buy this campground. I believe that God has different plans for all of us, and I am so very proud of where you have taken yours. If it is his will, someday we will get this trailer out of this park and come and visit Thunder Canyon 😆.We will continue watching, praying, and sending love! Jennifer
I'm smiling while watching this video because the story you're telling about owning the campground and the phases you're going through starting out is the same story every campground owner I've ever talked to, myself included, have gone through. For me personally, the most exciting part of owning a campground is doing the physical work developing it. The hard part is running a campground day to day and dealing with the public. The majority of RV'ers are really great people but after 7 months, 24/7, people start to wear on you. I'm always amazed after living in a camper for the season and then moving back to a house for the winter how far the walls were apart from each other and how far of a walk it was just to get to the bathroom or bedroom.
Then I will pray Gods will will come first in all areas of y'all's lives. I also pray that He put a hedge of protection around each one of you (Mercedes, John and Sage) in all you do. With Love, Jamie ♥️
I worked with the general public for my entire 51 years of work life. I find that working with customers, today, is more difficult than ever before. For some reason people seem more "spoiled" than ever. They expect instant gratification and they also feel, more and more, that they want to do what they want to do, when they want to do it and don't care if it negatively impacts others. I know some will say it has always been this way, but for some reason, it just seems more rampant now than ever. Luckily, there are still many kind, caring, courteous and generous people out there. Thank goodness!
You just wrote a perfect copy of my biography, we endured it 14 yrs before selling and have not looked back with remorse. When approaching 80 yrs of age yes the people start to wear on you.......Much success to John and Mercedes with this venture God Bless!
@@desertschooner769 I've been in this business for 32 years including 2 campgrounds and an RV dealership for 16 years while owning campgrounds. It's a tough life although my wife and I did everything ourselves while these folks seem to have a lot of help from others and don't want to be tied down like most campground owners so they can still experience travelling in the RV lifestyle. Hope it works out for them but I personally don't know of anyone that owned a campground that still allowed them to travel during the open season. We'll see.
Loved the latest video guys. My wife and I think it’s awesome what you are creating at Thunder Canyon. John, keep being yourself and speaking your mind on God, family and politics. Your views may go down but those of us that continue to watch and support you are strong and true. God bless you all and best wishes for 2022. Larry & Pat
Oh Mercedes, I am SO with you!! we are spending the winter in a house.. and I look around and it gets me so anxious. My glass is bigger, and holds so much more water!!! and I dont like it. but there it is. I, too, feel very thankful for our lives and the blessing of a house for this winter. I still feel discombobulated with all this space and cant wait to get back out there in our tiny RV. Following where God is leading doesn't always 'feel' right, but I trust Him. God bless you on your 2022 journey!
I'm one of your non-RV viewers and I love this channel! I love the honesty and also the back and forth banter. I always look forward to the new episodes. Thank you!
You two are a blessing to so many others, including us. Rhonda and I have been full timers since 2016 and still love it! There is nothing like traveling America in our Motorcoach and spending the winter in Indio, California. One great move I’m thankful we made is buying a lot in Outdoor Resort Indio in 2013. Because of that move we have our winter RV spot secured, we can pull in and park anytime we want without having to worry about a reservation. Stay warm and keep sharing your lives and experiences with us all. We love you! 😊👏❤️
😡 click bait! It’s not the end!!!! …. Enjoy the ride wherever it goes , stop arguing get that content out especially the next installment of Dances With Bulls! 🤗👍🤣
Been following you three for some time now and really appreciate your mission. My hubby and I are believers in Christ,we love and depend on Him. We have a 22 foot couples trailer from Grand Design and absolutely love it. We are not full time although that's what I want. We can't afford to keep our house and go full-time and the hubs isn't ready to say goodbye too it. So for now I'm working toward condensing down everything we have to only what we need in hopes that one day it will make transition easier to full time. Michigan has increased their fees anywhere from 3 to 8 dollars a night and we really don't have BLM land to camp on here. I hope one day that we can come for a visit and even lend a hand. I hope you'll consider having workampers from your Rv odd squad to come and help out for a season or part of a season! We sit and enjoy every video!
I can imagine the ‘culture shock’ going back into a house again. Very unnerving I’m sure. Keep reminding yourself it’s temporary. I think what you’re attempting is awesome. I love your channel and wish you all the best going forward with your dream. And in everything really. Watching your videos truly brightens my day. Stay strong. Stay positive. And I wish you peace and patience! Love you guys!
Good luck on your new venture! We understand EXACTLY how you felt jumping from an RV to a house. Dottie and I full-timed for 5 years moving from place to place for work. At the end of 5 years, we were ready to stay put for a while. It was a really big change. After we bought our home and stayed one night in it (we had to use an air mattress for our bed) we felt lost. But, we adjusted. We still travel and go camping with a new travel trailer. Definitely don't miss full-timing, that's for sure. God bless y'all!
I've been full time for 3 years and am doubling down on it. With the insanity that's been continuing, I'm thinking being mobile might be a great survival plan. Good luck and take care!
@@kellyname5733 for tens of thousands of years certain folks live a paranoid life with lots of negative thoughts. If everyone would think positive the world would be a better place.
just left u a tearful comment on this vid, but realize i wasnt logged in🤷♀️🤔 (mariavonsmith)...anyhow , wanted to log in properly to say HOW MUCH of a fan you have in me. Forever. yall are hands down the best RV channel out there. you guys made me cry. So proud. So honored to call myself one of your "squad". Love always, Maria
The greatest Gift we have received from our channel is the beautiful people we have attracted. We haven’t even met most of them yet but we are inspired by their Prayers and energy. We love our Community. Thank you for the heartfelt message Maria❤️❤️❤️
We're not interested in being full-timers but we love vacationing in a travel trailer. Given how air travel continues to be complicated and disrupted by COVID, it's an exciting time to own a campground. If you're open in time for the high season this spring/summer, you should be at full occupancy. Best wishes, and I hope you get "good" campers.
simply said, times now are more like the 50's or 60's (or before airplane was so common) whereas the majority of families were not flying to destinations
“Woe unto them that call evil good and good evil…” Isaiah 5:20. Calling out Brandon is just putting this into practical application because there were and are too many who think this regime is “good” -it is not. You speaking your mind just is separating the wheat from the chaff. As you both well know-GOD WILL PROVIDE. Look at all He has done for you. Having the main house finished in time for the weather and your needs met when they had to take the RV for repair. Our God truly is an AWESOME GOD! ✝️ What an encouragement and great witness you both are! It just warms my heart. And I was astounded by how much Sage has grown. When I first began watching your channel she seemed so wee!! 💕 Can’t wait to meet -as you say down south, ya’ll - soon. We’ll be making our reservations as soon as the software is functional! Bless you all! Love you!❣️
You two are going to have to realize that you are going from living in & maintaining an RV to also living in & maintaining a developing business. The RV life might have to take second fiddle for now. Don’t get in the bad light of doubt. You have a LOT of support! More than you probably know. 😘 Take it for what it is and find the adventure in it. You 2 are setting a great example for that little girl. Keep the videos coming!
Kudos to you both for following your good inner promptings! That's the way we Joy Gypsies roll too. Every one of us has access to God Within if we get quiet enough inside. Hearing you on this video, you've said it without putting too fine a point on it, like someone once said: Affirm your good and leave the how'n up to God. "You don't need to see the whole staircase to take the first step," said Martin Luther King, Jr. Everywhere we've RV'ed and broken down and had tires blow out, etc., we've been taken care of by first affirming that God is in this experience too, thanking God for the help, and then following those good inner promptings on what to do and where to turn. Both envisioning and looking forward to seeing your project continue to develop and take off. Just follow the Divine Breadcrumbs and you'll make it happen. Thank you for serving the RV community and demonstrating what's possible!
So this is my review not my wifes. She said I should just let this go but I felt very discouraged by what has transpired. We have been watching John and Mercedes’ channel for the last year and a half. We were so excited to learn this new adventure they have decided to take on. We learned a couple months ago that we would be able to spend a 5 night trip their for our daughters 21st birthday and we found lots of things to do near. This last week we were sent a email that during the 5 days we would be there they would be celebrating their opening weekend. Their are 6 of us that would be there and we said well that’s great but we made plans to do other things while we were there. We called and they informed us that they would comp our daughter that was celebrating her birthday but the other 5 would have to pay even though we weren’t going to be there for most of the events. That came out to an additional $875.00. We explained that we made the reservations in advance of them deciding to make this their opening weekend and that many people would take our spot as they had a waiting list. In addition due tho the fact that they were forcing us to pay $875.00 we can’t afford. We were told that if we canceled they would take a 50 percent cancellation fee. I am sorry but who are these people. My wife said I guess we will have to let you keep the money as a credit so for a future visit. Really I am struggling to just keep my family fed in this day and time. You want us to pay a additional penalty so you can make more money in your event. So now I am paying to stay somewhere else and you are keeping the 300.00 (not including the membership) because you decided that you wanted to do this event on the weekend we booked months ago. We were forced to try and find someone else who could not only have a opening for our 42 foot 5th wheel. But just to find a spot on a busy holiday weekend. We did find a place but it is a hour away and now we will have that additional drive everyday to go to the places that we planed our trip around. I was very disappointed in the fact that who I thought these people are. Is not who they are. I guess money supersedes their word in keeping our reservations that we had made before all this. Again my wife just said I should let this go but I am upset that now I will have to spend a lot more on fuel costs and time driving my daughter and her friends to try and give her the great 21st birthday I promised. I guess like my father always told me from the Bible you name is worth more than anything. Why to shine a light in the world as Christian’s. I am sorry but I hope you get what you deserve. I hope the $400.00 that you billed from me bearings you what that deserves. Thank you for your time. I will never stay here. David Hirneisen
John, Mercedes, what an immense change of lifestyle! I write this a little sad, knowing we probably won’t be meeting-up on the road. However, that is more reason to get on out to the eastern U.S., and pay you a visit! I am seriously concerned about your health, though. Mercedes, you’re still a “youngster”, however John you are older and should be enjoying the easy life. I do, however, love the fact that you want to expand your dream in various places around the Country. That is a fabulous idea, which is sooooo needed now and in the future. Do not rush Thunder Canyon…getting very little sleep does nothing for your health. You have help from the Odd Squad, take it a little easier during the day and get some sleep at night! What wonderful memories you’ve got from the last three years of travel!…those are permanent and irreplaceable. You DO love rving, and it def sounds like you’re continuing to rv, but just not full time, nor travel for the next few months. That’s great, but don’t give-up your love of rv travel! Like with Tim and me, rving is part of your life! I wish you all the love and best wishes for achieving your dream! Love to you always, Virginia
Life is the journey. Where we end up is not as important as a place in our hearts. Your vision for this chapter in your lives is exciting and it comes through! Thanks for sharing the process. We all are really more alike than we know. Love, happiness, contentment, peace. These are common human goals. My wife and I are rv'ers as well but live in a home that has all of the best attributes of places traveled to. We look forward to following you guys on your journey and hopefully will be able to visit to your little slice of paridise!
I was an extreme couponer. Ten years ago, when the coupon trend began, it was relatively easy. About 4 or 5 years ago, though, manufacturers began putting out fewer coupons, lower value coupons, placing restrictions on them not there previously, and store managers began put even more restrictions on coupons. For instance, only 10 coupons per household per day. Well, at that level, it's almost not worth doing anymore. I think that full timing on the road is experiencing the same issues. The pandemic, Walmart managers, BLM land bosses, they are doing all they can to make this lifestyle far more difficult than before. I'm very disappointed with the trend towards almost criminalizing road living or camping living. Love u guys!
I like the comment about people stopping in unannounced and how that takes 5-10 mins out of a busy day..... I got sucked into watching this episode and got 30 mins distracted! Love you guys. Great show!
Conversely, I'm seeing the vanlifers and cargo trailer nomads growing. I think it's a matter of scaling and boondock availability. I think it's getting harder to do a full-size RV, compared to van or cargo trailers, which are MUCH more mobile.
We are 72 & 74 but raising 3 great nieces & a great nephew for the last 11 years. They are now 15, 16, 18, & our 20 year old was married in late October 2021. So, for now we only RV part time. In the late 80s & early 90s we had a 1/200th UDI ownership/membership of a campgrounds on Lake Oconee in Greensboro Ga. The developer maintained majority interest. After a few years, he sold the Campgrounds and our UDIs were converted to just memberships. Since then the Campgrounds has gone through several owners and affiliations. It is now being converted from a KOA to a Travel Resorts Of America. Through all these changes the Campgrounds has gone through many ups and downs but with these big corporations swallowing up these independent Campgrounds have lost the family friendly community atmosphere that we used to have and that you are trying to create at Thunder Canyon. We are looking to upgrade from a conversion camper van + tent to a Toy Hauler Travel Trailer by next summer and hope to visit you guys in either 2022 or 2023. We love your channel and pray for you guidance, wisdom, protection, and success.
Just FYI, don't know what kind of space heaters you have, but we have a 2,700 sq. ft. house and warm it with 3 oil heaters that we got at Walmart for $45 each. We have found them to be far more efficient than quartz heaters. It's a freezing 27 degrees outside and comfortable 74 degrees inside.
Thanks to your channel we purchased 5 acres in a remote wooded area near a large lake. Next is to buy a large 5th wheel and park it on that property and build a roof over it. Then install a septic and well. I've been cautioned about someone stealing the RV, my answer is you need GPS coordinates to find the property, it's 3 miles off the highway on a gravel road then turn on a dirt road and go another mile. Then go up our private dirt road to the property. And you don't see the property until you do all that.
I am looking forward to staying at Thunder Canyon when YOU are ready for the rest of us. In the meantime I'm happy keeping up with the campground updates via RUclips. Keep up the great videos.
My parents stay down in Elephant Butte New Mexico in an RV . well they did until this week ( January 3rd 22 ) selling the rv and they bought a house in New Mexico . 3 years of the rv life . They loved every minute of it .
So glad to see your videos. As I’ve previously commented, my wife and I have been RV’ers since the mid 80’s as a young couple. I think what you are doing is great. Full timing isn’t for us but month long trips are. I need more space for the “stuff” I can’t live without, but have been thinning things out as we travel more. Hopefully, one day we get to Thunder Canyon. Keep up the good work. I love to hear your opinions. Even if I don’t always agree, I will defend your right to say it. Happy New Year!
You give us hope for all things good. We are the blessed ones to have found you & the OddSquad❣️ I saw your tears fought back & want to give you a hug/we will in time meet you & see ThunderCanyon is all it’s glory. /Lori❣️
When people started jumping into RV'ing a few years ago....watching all these RUclipsrs fun in the sun...adventures everyday.....looked great!!! I've been an RV owner since 1996....my parents were RV owners and I can tell you if you aren't "anal" about your preventive maintenance on it...it becomes a timebomb. I predicted these people would hate it in a few years because they didn't fully understand what they were getting into. I see my local marketplace with RV's.....people I know that bought brand new in 2018+19+20 are now selling. I knew it was coming, which may not be a bad thing......maybe this year we can actually get into a campground.
Agreed ADK. Everybody jumped in all at once. I dont blame them..Covid caused serious cabin fever. We humans are not meant to stay inside and not have koinonia/fellowship with other people. Thus, camping gone wild. lol We all knew this would happen. It will benefit many that might otherwise not be able to afford an RV.
I’m looking to buy a travel trailer around April or May 2022. Your comment about being anal about the upkeep rings true for me. I’m gonna be damn sure I understand the full range of maintenance tweaks and stay proactive about functionality issues before sudden repair issues pop up and bite me in the butt. I’m a single man, extremely independent, and plan on adopting a big dog before I head out. I think my solo lifestyle will serve me well in this venture. I’m aware it won’t all be smooth sailing, but I believe it’ll be a manageable life path. Thanks for the reality check post.
@@wadevernon7924 We were all newbies.....learning basic preventative maintenance goes a long way, checking seals and roof membrane!! Then learning how the systems work it then begins to look very simple. Good luck to you....being anal with these rigs is good!! 26 years of ownership I haven't even had a blow out or a leak.
@@ADKMan you’re speaking my language, man! I’m gonna install enough solar roof panels to make it as close to electrically independent as possible, reseal everything, stock up on spare parts, and “drain dry” the knowledge base of every RV expert I can find before heading out of Austin. Thanks for the shout back! 👍🙌
Your right guys, our time is uncertain. My wife and I had a plan until February 3rd, then the plan ended and now I have to go forward alone and figure out a new plan. Keep up the good work and keep spreading the news, you three are great and I love you all.
I’m in the same situation. Up until last September I was living full time in our 20’ travel trailer. I’m now moving forward on my own. I need to work on getting rid of my trailer. Whether I’ll travel again only God knows. Because of health issues i’m currently stationary, not where I want to be but life takes unexpected turns. Congratulations on the RV park. It’s a lot of work, a lot of hassle . We were friends with the couple who owned the park we lived in and I’d go back to nursing before I would take that job!! God bless! May every success be yours and I hope your park turns out to be everything you dreamed and planned.
I am so happy to hear how everything is moving forward.I don't have an RV(yet) but it's on the bucket list.I can't wait to see the finished product and I hope to come vist someday.💓
Sage has grown so much! I say that because, like you, life has gotten really busy and, well, let’s just say it’s been a while since I’ve been hard-core following not just you, but pretty much all of RVing. 😱. The thing that keeps me coming back to watch your videos is your love for God. No other channel does that - that I know of, anyway. Plus I get your newsletters in my email. ☺️ Those help me keep up with your goings on. Thank you for sticking with yours & God’s plan; I know He’ll send you blessings whenever you need it. Take care!♥️
Hey guys, we all know your just going through a “season”. Those of us who have been here since the very first video know you’re working your behinds off on getting Thunder Canyon ready for all the Odd Squad to visit. No shame in staying in a house during the cold winter. Looking forward to all the videos of all the work going on there🤗
THANK YOU for your AWESOME Channel!!! We sold our RV a few months ago and are now living in a rental home, while we await for our Del Webb new home to be built (oh my! THAT process was Quite challenging here in central Florida 😅 THANKFUL for our newest journey! BEST WISHES TO ALL ❤️🙏❤️
QUESTION: Where's the chickens??? LoL!!!!! One thing is true.....you will do what is right for you :) You have to look out for your precious little girl! Gift from God for sure! Love you guys! We will meet someday. Stay safe, stay warm :)
@@RVOddCouple Thank you! Gotta take care of those feathered ladies....frozen eggs make for a cold omelette!!! LoL!!! LOVE what you are doing.....Thank you!!!
We feel like we speak not only for us, but for so many in the RV community when we say that we are grateful for you both. Pioneers, Mavericks, entrepreneurs, and most of all servants. Servants to the community that you have created. What a great story you both are writing... big loves to you both.
Hey guys I have been RVing since 1995 when my kids were born. My parents now RVing in Heaven were RVing back in the 60s !!! So I grew up in RVs I’m now 64 ! You guys are pretty new to the RV life ! There is so much more in the RV life than membership campgrounds. I love you guys but you are pretty new to the game
I have a lot of respect for putting your spiritual community first and foremost. It's wonderful that you have not been tempted to take a big profit and end up a flipper.
Found you guys while living in a 25 foot trailer for 7 months during one of the coldest winters I have known. Thank you for keeping my sane even though you weren’t! 😂
Well, all I can do is pray for you folks that your dream comes to full fruition. That the family remains joyfully intact and that all the little things that could potentially become annoying comes to nought. Have a blessed 2022 you guy's and your rv odd squad too.
Dan and Jenn Nevada, I watched for 3 years. They sold their RV, settled in Kingman Az. Had about 17,000 followers. The straw that broke the Camel’s Back was having followers knocking on their front door. Glad you are not quitting.
The fact that you’re able to retain a sense of humor during such a huge, stressful project is testament to your personal fortitude. Your videos somewhat remind me of Chip and Joanna Gains with their former Fixer Upper show. But yours are more real because their not “produced” in the traditional TV sense of the term. And you’re not afraid to express your faith which is forbidden in mainstream media these days. Keep up the great work. And, as others have said, we look forward to visiting the campground when you are ready. Greetings from Royal Coachman in Nokomis.
It sounds like y’all are well underway on a worthy journey. I am a “ likeminded” person as well. This will be OUR safe space. I can’t believe how much Sage has grown! Follow the voice that is leading you and you will be successful. Hi Sage!
I can relate. The boating life is going through the same aches and pains. Trying to find dock space is VERY difficult and the marinas have raised their rates like crazy. We own a 45' Carver and it has been crazy planing any trips because of we can't find marinas.
Been a subscriber for a while now and I follow especially because of your "God and Family" view as I watch your adventures. I wont ever be a full time RV'r, but I am retiring Dec of 2022 and expect to buy my first RV. We have no kids and have decided we will just do month or two camping sprees instead of full time. I love what I think I am hearing about your campground ownership where its private and safer knowing you have like-minded people there. We people are flawed, but its comforting to hear your concept developing and it is encouraging. I wish you success and blessings that God has a hand in what you are trying to do. BUT, remember to take time, no matter how busy you are, to take time for each other or all will fail if you two fall apart. No great plan is worthy of destroying your relationship... or marriage. I hope to have an RV one day and have the pleasure of joining your Odd Squad family.
You guys are amazing and driven in the best possible ways! There's no way you guys can fail with the attitude and amazing heart you are putting into what your doing! Bless you guys for all you do
hi you two (three;), ive followed you for a while; 2 yrs maybe?...tho my "time" is so off now since the pandemic🤷♀️ I don't know that I've ever left you a comment but I've loved you guys from day one.. Right now your video has me in tears. I am so moved and so proud of you and so blessed to have found ppl like you persuing a passion like my own. Thank you for ALL that you've done and are doing to truly make this world a better place. Your humility, transparency and authenticity is a beautiful thing to behold. I can't wait to get back out there camping again.. You guys keep me going and believing I can do it. I love you guys. I mean it❣❣❣
We're still building our park in Alabama because we wanted to diversify our realestate portfolio. We have rentals and apartments and building a park seemed like a natural fit. My wife is sick of nursing and wants to run our park. Thought we'd be open by now but I'm still getting septic approval with the county and were having to move a lot of dirt to level the property. I never imagined it would be this hard.
I would totally be just like your wife. Nursing now has grounded me and I really want to be free. I am tired of waiting. This year I want to do more and different stuff
@@CharmaineSilva777she's been travel nursing for years and we have been all over the country. Its been cool but covid has messed it up and she refuses the jab so her job choice is limited.
Hey you can get a fire log that's built to remove dangerous soot from the chimney. Get two & burn them both. One is enough even for a dirty chimney but two will make sure. We used them for several years living in the Sierra's. We heated our 2500 sq ft 2 story cabin in Bear Valley with wood. The best wood, the hottest, was eucalyptus which burns hotter, than red or white oak, & leaves very little ash - which means all that sap goes up the chimney. We used one of those logs each year. That's it. 2 story chimney - more than 20' long kept clean as a whistle with the cleaning logs. I had my first winter in snow by accident. I was going to spend my winter on the west coast in Cali but I got stuck having to stay in the mountains where it gets cold in winter. (cold to me is when it's below 32). I've never stayed in an RV in colder temperatures than that till this year. I called an old friend who had a house for me to rent & space to park my RV till it got cold. He had some renovations to do that would be completed end of October so there was plenty of warm weather till then. However he didn't have it ready by the end of October. So I stayed in my rig believing he'd have it ready 2 weeks into Nov. However he didn't get the house ready because he had to get water to it & didn't realize it was a bigger job then he expected so he kept leaving it till the last & never got it done before 3 feet of snow dumped on us. It kept getting colder & he had no eta for having the house ready. I tried to find another place but could not find any monthly RV spots within about 300 hundred miles or hopefully less - to tow through deadly serious ice & snow conditions on such late notice. Propane is prohibitively expensive to heat a 40' Escalade RV. I burn 2 - 40lb tanks per week at 32 degrees night 45 to 50 daytime. With temperatures 40 degrees lower than that I would have to burn about 30 lbs of propane a day!!! However the temperature kept getting lower & lower until it was -6. That's -6 F. Unfortunately my truck didn't start during the cold snap either so I hooked the batteries up to the batteries in the RV knowing that the charger for the RV batteries would also do the best job of charging my truck batteries without the cost of diesel to charge with the alternator. Fortunately yesterday I tried it & it started right up at -6 without plugging in a block heater. That was a big relief because I was trapped in a show pasture in the mountains without wheels & with too much snow to drive out of without the risk of getting stuck too far way from the rig to recharge the batteries if I got stuck - which is very possible in waist deep snow. To save money on heat I bought a 150.00 construction heater 240 volts 20 amps = 4900 watts. That has heated the cabin throughout the coldest temperatures but the water lines under the cabin kept freezing. So I had to install 2 110 v space heaters & a temperature controller on one of them - also drilling a 4" hole into the holding tanks area with a computer fan to drive the warmer air into it from the compartment with the 2 space heaters & temperature controller. There were several issues to deal with that takes too long to cover but it was quite the adventure sorting it out. Then on New Years Eve I text the guy telling him the water line is frozen again despite the modifications. I ask him if their pump might be frozen up & not delivering me any water. He doesn't know. I perform one test & it suggests that his pump is not frozen up but it's inconclusive because the ball valve that still operates - suggesting it's not frozen yet - is sitting on ice that has formed underneath the valve which would be sitting on a concrete floor if there was no ice under it. I spent the night with zero water. I also poured a lot of plumbing antifreeze into both the grey & blackwater tanks because the dump valves on both of them froze a couple weeks ago (grey water froze open & black water froze closed) but I was able to thaw them on one day that was above 32 degrees. I was up at 4 am & out in the cold to crank the space heater up to the highest setting. It didn't help. At -6 degrees I was very concerned about how cold the floor was to walk on. The cold seemed to be coming in almost as fast as I was heating up the cabin but I managed to keep a cabin temperature of 70 to 73 degrees. Sometimes without the heater shutting off for hours because it could only deliver enough to keep the heat steady but not enough to make it warmer than that. I also had to do other things like occasionally turning the refrigerator & hot water tank over to propane because I blew the 50 amp main breaker with two 1500 watt space heaters & a 4900 watt construction heater. That should only draw 45 amps but my computer system draws about 5 amps - which means that if my fridge or hot water tank needs power it's going to blow the breaker which it did. That necessitated running the fridge & HWT on propane during the coldest parts because the temperature was not remaining on -6 all the time - it would go up to +2 during the day which made a difference & I could resume hot water & refrigeration with electricity. Yesterday the "friend" who was supposed to rent me a house came by to discover that his maintenance guy didn't turn the heater on in the pumphouse so there was no water coming to my rig. My modifications were working but no water was coming to me. (Also there's a heat tape on the incoming water hose.) I knew I didn't want to do this which is why I rented a house. Too bad the guy cannot provide the house but, from everything in the long term weather reports - I just passed what was the coldest part of the year in this region. Today it's up to 20 & later this week should be back to 30 or so until later in Jan when it's back above freezing pretty much till next year. I don't want to do this again but at least I survived it & know how to prepare for as low as -6. But I would not knowingly or willingly attempt this again unless it was a necessity - which I can't imagine. I'd never have come here if I thought there would not have been a house to stay in or at least a big ol barn or warehouse I could drive my rig into for the winter. I posted once a month ago or so -- before & you asked me to contact you but, I don't recall what the instructions were & I didn't see the video again after that. If you post a response to me again I'll keep an eye on this for some way to get in touch. This is my 7th year full time starting my 8th in April 2022. I can't imagine how tough this winter thing would have been with kids. Before I came here I even talked to a guy with a trailer park nearby but he cautioned me that the cold was too much for most people. That was what convinced me to rent a house. All said & done you know what's now just as important to me as heat? Up in the more northern weather the days are short & light is scarce. I'm going to go LED for lighting here so I can cheaply light this rig up nice & bright when I want to - without sucking down major watts. No it's not for growing cannabis - just to make a more cheery environment & also to have some control over warm or cool lighting so I can shut down the blue spectrum in the evening for better sleeping as blue spectrum light interferes with sleep. Regardless my spring projects will be to change the lighting, new carpets & kitchen floor, replace the propane heater with a heat pump, & maybe a 60 amp generator. Also maybe a 2nd air conditioner for Arizona & Texas summers.
Hey Sean, we like the way you write. We suggested that you start a Blog. RV Odd Squad will be launching a Member website where Members write blogs that help others.
Thanks for your encouraging words. Maybe I'll give that a try when you get it set up. I write on YT just for the practice. That's why I don't mind writing articles that are too long for most people to be interested in reading them. I don't write for visibility. I write for my own entertainment & practice at writing on a wide variety of subjects. However after 20 years retirement I'm launching a new publishing biz in 2022. I've got hundreds of articles I've written since 2017 for publishing in this new biz. However my business interests are outside the RV world. However I could probably bring value to those running a businesses out of their RV. I have a professional recording studio in mine. Space is a bit tight sometimes but part of the publishing is a new mastering business that requires far less space than a tracking studio. With mastering it's all done online so it can be done from anywhere that there's a data connection. Turns out the acoustics in here are awesome with so many surfaces & absorbent materials.
John: I also have a great deal of respect for NOT curbing your comments about "the king" and about God and family. You've lost a substantial portion of viewers, but your vision is bigger than your short term benefit. God bless you!
I just Love you two! You are such an inspiration! And I am sooo excited about your adventure and I don't even have "skin in the game"..lol I know you are beyond busy, but keep "the odd squad" up to date on the progression. I hope you are taking video of all the construction, I'm excited to see what all you are accomplishing! God Bless & Happy New Year!
Happy New Year you three! We've been following you since early on. One time a long while back, John, you asked for comments about the most indispensable tool to carry in your RV. Without hesitation my husband said, "HOT GLUE GUN!" & I relayed that to you! You also helped us a lot with understanding 'domicile' & resolving mail issues. We would have been completely lost without your help. Thanks again & we'll keep you in our prayers. So far, so good! 👍❤🇺🇸
A rick of wood or face chord is 16" to 18" in length per log, stacked 4ft high for 8ft long. 3 of these rows is a full chord of wood, sometimes called a bush chord.
Just started in June of 2021. Spent 4 months in Western PA (Son, Daughter-in-law, 1st grandchild live there). Spent 1 month New Bern KOA visiting my sister. Now in Florida to avoid Winter. Savanah GA April, PA 2 months and headed west to Wyoming for July. Traveling west and Southwest heading back to Florida for winter 2022-2023. We’ve had a door and slide destroyed by my lack of focus on a right turn leaving our PA campground in October. Still working on repair and living outside the unit when repaired. We’ll see where we are after the first year and a half into year two. Big change for me…can’t figure out 80 degrees during Christmas and New Year. So far so good.
We love the idea for southern AZ! We like to winter there, when we aren't workamping. We would be very interested in looking into that awesome adventure. Love you guys!
I love your faith. My husband and I are planning on going semi full time RV soon. Your faith in God hit me in a good way today. Thank you! Feels good to hear others proclaim their faith.
John and Mercedes, Happy New Year! My wife and I have been subscribed to your channel since you started and we have thoroughly enjoyed your adventures. Your "vision quest" called Thunder Canyon is an inspiring testimonial. Thank you for sharing this with us. We want to begin traveling the country in an RV in retirement while maintaining our home base in Tennessee but Covid, elder care and skyrocketing RV prices have delayed our plans. I appreciate and applaud your newest adventure. God has great plans for your lives. I was a professional landscaper many years ago and would like to help you with Thunder Canyon.
Absolutely loved this video. My wife Terry and I just bought a Class A Motorhome. We’ve been watching your videos for a long time, and have been inspired. Today is the first time I heard you bring the Lord into your conversation. We are Christians and love Jesus! His mercies are new every morning! I mentioned to my wife how I would love to start a campground for RV’s but knew it would take a lot of money, but your idea might be something we might be interested in! Please let us know more.
You forgot to add country! I’ve been following y’all since the beginning and am cheering for you and the Squad! Since I don’t have an RV my ears perked when you mentioned the cottages-they sound perfect and safe for this solo veteran! Here’s to 2022 and your success - you’ve got this!!
I found your channel a couple of weeks ago and have been binging a little on your previous videos. From the very first video, there was something that caught my attention and interest. Your focus on others, your faith, your dedication, your vision for what you are doing and depending on Divine guidance for each and every day is very unusual in these days and times. Thank you for being who you are, doing what you do and the way that you are doing it. I also have some family roots on Sand Mountain. My grandparents met and married in Scottsboro and raised a family. It has been decades since I have been back. I feel that familial connection to that area. I remember as a child visiting family in that area. Your channel and your project is very interesting to me. Thank you so much for sharing what you are doing and how you live your life.
John thank you for staying strong on God and the politics. You may have taken a hit on viewers but it will come back. I tell most people that question for a moment to just look at Chick fil a and how they are one of the busiest fast food restaurants around and closed on Sundays, They took the stance, and you see what God did for them he will do for you. Faith and perseverance pays off.
It would be nice if RVs weren't complete junk. With terrible service from dealerships and prices of everything going up, it just doesn't make sense to full time anymore. Too stressful for something that should be the opposite
Happy New Year RV Odd Squad!!! Love it love it love it. You two are Totally Blessed. While I” winter “ in the southern tier of New York for my third time (Binghamton) since my stroke ( minor to me!!) I close to my family. Two winters ago I spent in Enterprize, Al. Beautiful state and wonderful people. Our country is in chaos but will come back to us this year! K God Bless the USA!! And stay safe. See ya’s soon. Bob
One point you need to look at seriously, in other videos you mentioned “HUD and other legal organizations” the reason for me bringing this up is simple.A friend of mine owned a camp ground across the street from the family owned farm where they lived for over 3 generations. While the camp ground was deeded separately from the farm, a developer purchased the land 2 miles down the road and built several houses and created a “HOA”. My friend was forced to temporarily close the camp ground, and relocate from the farm because of separation from home and work, until legal issues terminated. Being a veteran of the US military was in his favor, but the lawyers for the HOA, and Hud, were stating that he was living on campground property full time, because of how close his residence was to the grounds, and that it was illegal in the state to reside in the campgrounds for more then 60 days. Three years of legal battles required him to prove separation of residence and business, costing thousands of dollars to overbearing legal issues created by these organizations. He still owns the farm, and the campgrounds and are reopened, but he had to shift ownership of the 200 acres of farmland to a preserved farmlands proprietary ownership, and rename the campgrounds! Since then he had to revamp the entry to both properties to accommodate this separation by over 90 feet, and the farm driveway needed to go to another roadway. The camp entrance and office need to move 80 feet farther down the road to ease traffic! This was all because of the new HOA, and their lawyers, who still create legal issues for him, by trespassing and harassing campers who stay for more then a week, calling police and such, being a veteran, he has gotten legal aid and insight on how to handle many of these issues including a restraining orders against the HOA, police and park rangers are freely welcomed in, but the campgrounds are now being completely fenced off from the HOA land, and this has still caused legal battles of home owners wanting to use the campground land for their own purposes, twice home owners were caught trashing the woods, and while the HOA sided with the residents, my friend proved the violations came from disgruntled home owners, and the fence that was installed, video cameras and other security devices all had permits for use by the county officials are being scoffed at vandalized or removed by HOA members! So please watch out!
Thanks for the update. Trying to figure out how we can go full-time..but there has been one road block after another. Now that we are close to retirement...it look like it was going to happen this year..but now we are looking to adopt sisters from foster care. But the court case is sooo long..really..we want to experience your camp. Take these girls to experience some fun and see the beauty and good in our world. The trial for these girls is in March. Pray they come to us where they can grow up together. Not separated. The 10yr is with grandmother 300 miles away. 6 yr old is with bio dad that didn't know he was dad till may..and he is a very nasty man. Children's aid ..this is what they want for the girls...the girls want to be together. Pray please that common sense prevails..and this summer we hope to take the girls on a 2 month rv trip down the east coast..see if they and us can do it . We would love to come to thunder canyon.
Chiwawa, Mercedes! Most of us watch because you are an incredibly lovely lady!! Having said that, I full timed from around 2009 to early’14. Space rent was $225 a month at beginning, $250 later on. My buddy still in the oil field says he’s paying $500 a month, which once he adds his Pickup payment and trl payment he’s spending close to $2,000 a month!! I understand how much $ oilfield workers make, but with his cost, he’s going backwards. I loved it. I had an ‘06 Keystone Montana, it had washer/dryer, and it was just perfect for me. My wife? Not so much so I sold in ‘14. It’s a different way to live, but it was good for me, and good to me.
Just started listening and watching you two and really enjoying it! Sorry that so much stress and frustration plagued you for awhile. I am still interested in you two, so as soon as I can get my act together here!
You guys are creating something wonderful to be enjoyed by so many. Remember that nothing worthwhile is ever easy. Life is not a plateau but an adventure of ever changing elevations. God Bless you all.
So glad that you posted a video. I had a feeling something was off with you guys. I hope you get your rig back soon and in perfect condition. I wish you luck in your endeavors. Happy new year to you! 👍💥😘
Fun fact: Paula Deen, the TV home cook we all watched on Food Network(and now YT), grew up in a camping park that her grandparents owned. It was a time when people first started traveling the Interstates for fun and adventure. Her Grandfather was a visionary, and saw the potential of buying land along the new Interstate Highway, and building a 'stopping off place' for folks on road trips. Riverbend. It was a huge success for the entire family, AND, when grandpa knew the newer highway was going take business away from his campground, he cashed out, and the rest is the history of where Paula Deen came from.
I am so looking forward to getting to meet y'all soon. God has a plan and we just have to stick to it. I hope you will have a chapel or some place to have service on Sunday's or when ever possible. I love having Bible study's in the woods.
Our camper is in the shop right now (due to an accident while in storage...class A owner thought it was in park, but was in reverse, and bam!). Once we get our camper (Gypsy) back from getting fixed, I will be making camping reservations to make up for the one we had to cancel after our camper was damaged and rendered unusable. Can't wait to get back to camping. It is a nice escape for us from our day-to-day grind of work, home, sleep, work, home, sleep, etc. Hoping yours does not take too long to get fixed with the parts shortages. Parts just ordered for ours. Now, waiting on timeline for delivery of parts for the shop to know an estimated amount of time for repairs to be finished. Once Thunder Canyon is open, we would love to visit there and just get away from it all.
I found your channel via RUclips algorithm, and I love you guys ❤ I really can't believe people just show up to your campground 🤯 good people or not, um...boundaries people ‼️ Keep it up, cant wait to see your campground when it's finished
God Family Friends Community All are excellent God driven priorities. As a follower of Christ and a follower of this channel, I observed something is starting to creep in here that could undermine your goals. To everyone on this channel please pray over this observation. When speaking or those writing comments, consider how Christ commanded us to speak. Please prayfully consider the words you use, that they draw people towards God not away from being a follower of Christ. Using terms that became catch phrases to denigrate or disrespect others, is not a loving witness to Christ living within you. Let’s use our words to bless God constantly, to set a Christlike example to those who hear and read our words. Let’s be set apart by speech. “So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.” 1st Peter 2:1 ESV “ Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips” Psalm 141:3 ESV
We have a permanent spot at a year round rv park. We bought a destination model, a Cedar Creek Cottage model and we love it. Lots of space and storage for full timers who don't have to pull their rv all the time. I LOVE that there are so many rv options for us all.
So many of us are out here praying for you!
I truly appreciate your honesty and candor, I’ve been drawn to the RV lifestyle for about 5 years, although life dictates a slow emergence into full time, but I can honestly say, your channel along with S&S and the RV cats, Lost On Land Again, Glorious Life On Wheel, Camper van Kevin, CheapRVliving, HOWA, and so many others, have shown me MY people. Each channel I watch is completely different from each other, but the common, undeniable thread is, the love you have for others. What you two have taught me is to dream a dream, then get busy making it a reality!
Don’t change who you are. My husband and I suggest to other people to watch your channel. You got this. Good things don’t come easy or fast. We have been full time now for 2.5 years. Last year was very hard because of Covid, but we’re sticking with it. I Gotta say my husband and I are also an odd couple. We bicker the same way you guys do. 😂We lived a year and a half in a 16 foot trailer with a crawl over bed and if you don’t get along and don’t kill each other by that time you know you’re going to make it. We got stuck in Texas for a summer in that tiny trailer because of Covid and it was a nightmare. Somehow though things always work out. Never lose faith never ever ever. God is good💜
❤️❤️❤️ Much Love
Oh Mercedes and John, I appreciate you so. Storytime: my husband and I bought our RV the same time as you. We also live full time in our RV, a 2019 Jayco North Point with our 19 year old son. Soon after we sold all our belongings in pursuit of independence, freedom and adventure My cancer came back. So now we've been living in a trailer park in SE Portland since March of 2019. It has been amazing to watch you guys travel around the country. I often wished it was us. It's been amazing to watch Sage grow up, as our son also struggles with a similar diagnosis. It's amazing that you have taken the step to buy this campground. I believe that God has different plans for all of us, and I am so very proud of where you have taken yours. If it is his will, someday we will get this trailer out of this park and come and visit Thunder Canyon 😆.We will continue watching, praying, and sending love! Jennifer
Looking forward to seeing you Jennifer 🙏❤️
Jennifer, prayers for a good result with the cancer.
@@arbonneladyTN Thank you so much 🥰 I need to get treatment so I have to be close to the hospital. I am blessed to have access to care 🙏
Stay strong,my Sister in Christ!
I'm smiling while watching this video because the story you're telling about owning the campground and the phases you're going through starting out is the same story every campground owner I've ever talked to, myself included, have gone through. For me personally, the most exciting part of owning a campground is doing the physical work developing it. The hard part is running a campground day to day and dealing with the public. The majority of RV'ers are really great people but after 7 months, 24/7, people start to wear on you. I'm always amazed after living in a camper for the season and then moving back to a house for the winter how far the walls were apart from each other and how far of a walk it was just to get to the bathroom or bedroom.
We’ve heard this a lot
Then I will pray Gods will will come first in all areas of y'all's lives. I also pray that He put a hedge of protection around each one of you (Mercedes, John and Sage) in all you do. With Love, Jamie ♥️
I worked with the general public for my entire 51 years of work life. I find that working with customers, today, is more difficult than ever before. For some reason people seem more "spoiled" than ever. They expect instant gratification and they also feel, more and more, that they want to do what they want to do, when they want to do it and don't care if it negatively impacts others. I know some will say it has always been this way, but for some reason, it just seems more rampant now than ever. Luckily, there are still many kind, caring, courteous and generous people out there. Thank goodness!
You just wrote a perfect copy of my biography, we endured it 14 yrs before selling and have not looked back with remorse. When approaching 80 yrs of age yes the people start to wear on you.......Much success to John and Mercedes with this venture God Bless!
@@desertschooner769 I've been in this business for 32 years including 2 campgrounds and an RV dealership for 16 years while owning campgrounds. It's a tough life although my wife and I did everything ourselves while these folks seem to have a lot of help from others and don't want to be tied down like most campground owners so they can still experience travelling in the RV lifestyle. Hope it works out for them but I personally don't know of anyone that owned a campground that still allowed them to travel during the open season. We'll see.
Loved the latest video guys. My wife and I think it’s awesome what you are creating at Thunder Canyon. John, keep being yourself and speaking your mind on God, family and politics. Your views may go down but those of us that continue to watch and support you are strong and true. God bless you all and best wishes for 2022.
Larry & Pat
Oh Mercedes, I am SO with you!! we are spending the winter in a house.. and I look around and it gets me so anxious. My glass is bigger, and holds so much more water!!! and I dont like it. but there it is. I, too, feel very thankful for our lives and the blessing of a house for this winter. I still feel discombobulated with all this space and cant wait to get back out there in our tiny RV. Following where God is leading doesn't always 'feel' right, but I trust Him. God bless you on your 2022 journey!
I'm one of your non-RV viewers and I love this channel! I love the honesty and also the back and forth banter. I always look forward to the new episodes. Thank you!
Thank you David ❤️
PS - I’m a 75 yr old widow, planning on taking trips in my RV starting next fall. I joined the Odd Squad, because you guys are a breath of fresh air 💖
Thank you Laurie❤️
I'm a 70 divorcee (if it matters. LOL), heading out on my maiden voyage next month! Maybe we'll meet up on the road!! Good luck.
Living in a house....the simple things like a bigger shower, water pressure, able to use every every appliance all at once, the space and privacy. LOL
SOUNDS LIKE AN EASY CHOICE !
@@nickscarter9609 yes, easy choice
Normal people don't live in a RV , you are normal people . Good luck with venture 👍
You two are a blessing to so many others, including us. Rhonda and I have been full timers since 2016 and still love it! There is nothing like traveling America in our Motorcoach and spending the winter in Indio, California. One great move I’m thankful we made is buying a lot in Outdoor Resort Indio in 2013. Because of that move we have our winter RV spot secured, we can pull in and park anytime we want without having to worry about a reservation. Stay warm and keep sharing your lives and experiences with us all. We love you! 😊👏❤️
That sounds like such a great relief to know that your winter space is always ready for you. :)
😡 click bait! It’s not the end!!!! …. Enjoy the ride wherever it goes , stop arguing get that content out especially the next installment of Dances With Bulls! 🤗👍🤣
I never thought you two had an attitude of gratitude. Won't be missed.
Been following you three for some time now and really appreciate your mission. My hubby and I are believers in Christ,we love and depend on Him. We have a 22 foot couples trailer from Grand Design and absolutely love it. We are not full time although that's what I want. We can't afford to keep our house and go full-time and the hubs isn't ready to say goodbye too it. So for now I'm working toward condensing down everything we have to only what we need in hopes that one day it will make transition easier to full time. Michigan has increased their fees anywhere from 3 to 8 dollars a night and we really don't have BLM land to camp on here. I hope one day that we can come for a visit and even lend a hand. I hope you'll consider having workampers from your Rv odd squad to come and help out for a season or part of a season! We sit and enjoy every video!
God Bless you both🙏❤️ Glad to have you with us
A prayer garden in an RV park, would be so great! An actual quiet area without dog poop everywhere
I can imagine the ‘culture shock’ going back into a house again. Very unnerving I’m sure. Keep reminding yourself it’s temporary. I think what you’re attempting is awesome. I love your channel and wish you all the best going forward with your dream. And in everything really. Watching your videos truly brightens my day. Stay strong. Stay positive. And I wish you peace and patience! Love you guys!
Good luck on your new venture! We understand EXACTLY how you felt jumping from an RV to a house. Dottie and I full-timed for 5 years moving from place to place for work. At the end of 5 years, we were ready to stay put for a while. It was a really big change. After we bought our home and stayed one night in it (we had to use an air mattress for our bed) we felt lost. But, we adjusted. We still travel and go camping with a new travel trailer. Definitely don't miss full-timing, that's for sure. God bless y'all!
I've been full time for 3 years and am doubling down on it. With the insanity that's been continuing, I'm thinking being mobile might be a great survival plan. Good luck and take care!
Awesome!
@@RVOddCouple Thanks. !My situation kind of uniquely evolved to make that the better plan--it's not for everyone...
I'm with you. I'm hanging on to my little RV as my survival plan in case things get worse. I'll be darn glad I have it when I need a place to live.
@@HopeLivesHere721 What do mean worse? Where would you go to get away from "worse"? Just curious.
@@kellyname5733 for tens of thousands of years certain folks live a paranoid life with lots of negative thoughts. If everyone would think positive the world would be a better place.
just left u a tearful comment on this vid, but realize i wasnt logged in🤷♀️🤔 (mariavonsmith)...anyhow , wanted to log in properly to say HOW MUCH of a fan you have in me. Forever. yall are hands down the best RV channel out there. you guys made me cry. So proud. So honored to call myself one of your "squad". Love always, Maria
The greatest Gift we have received from our channel is the beautiful people we have attracted. We haven’t even met most of them yet but we are inspired by their Prayers and energy. We love our Community. Thank you for the heartfelt message Maria❤️❤️❤️
We're not interested in being full-timers but we love vacationing in a travel trailer. Given how air travel continues to be complicated and disrupted by COVID, it's an exciting time to own a campground. If you're open in time for the high season this spring/summer, you should be at full occupancy. Best wishes, and I hope you get "good" campers.
Kinda like a Kibbutz in Israel?
Or. Acts 4:32-37.
Best wishes to you
Fully agree about the airline hassles! Been that way for awhile, adding now the stupid vax requirements.
Airline Pilots have begun to sue the Administration over adverse reactions ruining their careers!
simply said, times now are more like the 50's or 60's (or before airplane was so common) whereas the majority of families were not flying to destinations
“Woe unto them that call evil good and good evil…” Isaiah 5:20. Calling out Brandon is just putting this into practical application because there were and are too many who think this regime is “good” -it is not. You speaking your mind just is separating the wheat from the chaff. As you both well know-GOD WILL PROVIDE. Look at all He has done for you. Having the main house finished in time for the weather and your needs met when they had to take the RV for repair.
Our God truly is an AWESOME GOD! ✝️
What an encouragement and great witness you both are! It just warms my heart. And I was astounded by how much Sage has grown. When I first began watching your channel she seemed so wee!! 💕
Can’t wait to meet -as you say down south, ya’ll - soon. We’ll be making our reservations as soon as the software is functional! Bless you all! Love you!❣️
Amen Carol 🙏❤️ Can’t wait to finally meet you❤️❤️❤️
You two are going to have to realize that you are going from living in & maintaining an RV to also living in & maintaining a developing business.
The RV life might have to take second fiddle for now. Don’t get in the bad light of doubt. You have a LOT of support! More than you probably know. 😘
Take it for what it is and find the adventure in it. You 2 are setting a great example for that little girl. Keep the videos coming!
Thank you Anderson’s ❤️
Kudos to you both for following your good inner promptings! That's the way we Joy Gypsies roll too. Every one of us has access to God Within if we get quiet enough inside. Hearing you on this video, you've said it without putting too fine a point on it, like someone once said: Affirm your good and leave the how'n up to God. "You don't need to see the whole staircase to take the first step," said Martin Luther King, Jr. Everywhere we've RV'ed and broken down and had tires blow out, etc., we've been taken care of by first affirming that God is in this experience too, thanking God for the help, and then following those good inner promptings on what to do and where to turn. Both envisioning and looking forward to seeing your project continue to develop and take off. Just follow the Divine Breadcrumbs and you'll make it happen. Thank you for serving the RV community and demonstrating what's possible!
Thank you Joy❤️❤️❤️ God Bless
So this is my review not my wifes. She said I should just let this go but I felt very discouraged by what has transpired. We have been watching John and Mercedes’ channel for the last year and a half. We were so excited to learn this new adventure they have decided to take on. We learned a couple months ago that we would be able to spend a 5 night trip their for our daughters 21st birthday and we found lots of things to do near. This last week we were sent a email that during the 5 days we would be there they would be celebrating their opening weekend. Their are 6 of us that would be there and we said well that’s great but we made plans to do other things while we were there. We called and they informed us that they would comp our daughter that was celebrating her birthday but the other 5 would have to pay even though we weren’t going to be there for most of the events. That came out to an additional $875.00. We explained that we made the reservations in advance of them deciding to make this their opening weekend and that many people would take our spot as they had a waiting list. In addition due tho the fact that they were forcing us to pay $875.00 we can’t afford. We were told that if we canceled they would take a 50 percent cancellation fee. I am sorry but who are these people. My wife said I guess we will have to let you keep the money as a credit so for a future visit. Really I am struggling to just keep my family fed in this day and time. You want us to pay a additional penalty so you can make more money in your event. So now I am paying to stay somewhere else and you are keeping the 300.00 (not including the membership) because you decided that you wanted to do this event on the weekend we booked months ago. We were forced to try and find someone else who could not only have a opening for our 42 foot 5th wheel. But just to find a spot on a busy holiday weekend. We did find a place but it is a hour away and now we will have that additional drive everyday to go to the places that we planed our trip around. I was very disappointed in the fact that who I thought these people are. Is not who they are. I guess money supersedes their word in keeping our reservations that we had made before all this. Again my wife just said I should let this go but I am upset that now I will have to spend a lot more on fuel costs and time driving my daughter and her friends to try and give her the great 21st birthday I promised. I guess like my father always told me from the Bible you name is worth more than anything. Why to shine a light in the world as Christian’s. I am sorry but I hope you get what you deserve. I hope the $400.00 that you billed from me bearings you what that deserves. Thank you for your time. I will never stay here. David Hirneisen
Wow this is horrible!! Was it ever taken care of?!
They seem like common sense people who care about doing the right thing but looks like thats just an act.
John, Mercedes, what an immense change of lifestyle! I write this a little sad, knowing we probably won’t be meeting-up on the road. However, that is more reason to get on out to the eastern U.S., and pay you a visit! I am seriously concerned about your health, though. Mercedes, you’re still a “youngster”, however John you are older and should be enjoying the easy life. I do, however, love the fact that you want to expand your dream in various places around the Country. That is a fabulous idea, which is sooooo needed now and in the future. Do not rush Thunder Canyon…getting very little sleep does nothing for your health. You have help from the Odd Squad, take it a little easier during the day and get some sleep at night! What wonderful memories you’ve got from the last three years of travel!…those are permanent and irreplaceable. You DO love rving, and it def sounds like you’re continuing to rv, but just not full time, nor travel for the next few months. That’s great, but don’t give-up your love of rv travel! Like with Tim and me, rving is part of your life! I wish you all the love and best wishes for achieving your dream! Love to you always, Virginia
John.....right on, God, conservatism. When you revealed your beliefs, I became a huge fan. God bless you, Mercedes, Sage and the RV Odd squad!!!
Right on
Life is the journey. Where we end up is not as important as a place in our hearts. Your vision for this chapter in your lives is exciting and it comes through! Thanks for sharing the process. We all are really more alike than we know. Love, happiness, contentment, peace. These are common human goals. My wife and I are rv'ers as well but live in a home that has all of the best attributes of places traveled to. We look forward to following you guys on your journey and hopefully will be able to visit to your little slice of paridise!
I was an extreme couponer. Ten years ago, when the coupon trend began, it was relatively easy. About 4 or 5 years ago, though, manufacturers began putting out fewer coupons, lower value coupons, placing restrictions on them not there previously, and store managers began put even more restrictions on coupons. For instance, only 10 coupons per household per day. Well, at that level, it's almost not worth doing anymore. I think that full timing on the road is experiencing the same issues. The pandemic, Walmart managers, BLM land bosses, they are doing all they can to make this lifestyle far more difficult than before. I'm very disappointed with the trend towards almost criminalizing road living or camping living. Love u guys!
Love you ❤️
And don’t forget the gas prices too!
We still have our ‘sticks&bricks’. Gas prices have slowed us from our 1/2 -3/4 road time🤷♀️
What are BLM land bosses doing to make camping more difficult? I was thinking about starting out there.
@@BillGreenAZ closing land to the public, I have heard about several shutdowns.
@@wynnkidsnannylorivance4111 Thanks for the reply. I've heard of a couple of those too. Hopefully there won't be too many more.
I like the comment about people stopping in unannounced and how that takes 5-10 mins out of a busy day..... I got sucked into watching this episode and got 30 mins distracted! Love you guys. Great show!
Conversely, I'm seeing the vanlifers and cargo trailer nomads growing. I think it's a matter of scaling and boondock availability. I think it's getting harder to do a full-size RV, compared to van or cargo trailers, which are MUCH more mobile.
We are 72 & 74 but raising 3 great nieces & a great nephew for the last 11 years. They are now 15, 16, 18, & our 20 year old was married in late October 2021. So, for now we only RV part time. In the late 80s & early 90s we had a 1/200th UDI ownership/membership of a campgrounds on Lake Oconee in Greensboro Ga. The developer maintained majority interest. After a few years, he sold the Campgrounds and our UDIs were converted to just memberships. Since then the Campgrounds has gone through several owners and affiliations. It is now being converted from a KOA to a Travel Resorts Of America. Through all these changes the Campgrounds has gone through many ups and downs but with these big corporations swallowing up these independent Campgrounds have lost the family friendly community atmosphere that we used to have and that you are trying to create at Thunder Canyon. We are looking to upgrade from a conversion camper van + tent to a Toy Hauler Travel Trailer by next summer and hope to visit you guys in either 2022 or 2023. We love your channel and pray for you guidance, wisdom, protection, and success.
Just FYI, don't know what kind of space heaters you have, but we have a 2,700 sq. ft. house and warm it with 3 oil heaters that we got at Walmart for $45 each. We have found them to be far more efficient than quartz heaters. It's a freezing 27 degrees outside and comfortable 74 degrees inside.
👍😀❤️
Thanks to your channel we purchased 5 acres in a remote wooded area near a large lake.
Next is to buy a large 5th wheel and park it on that property and build a roof over it.
Then install a septic and well.
I've been cautioned about someone stealing the RV, my answer is you need GPS coordinates to find the property, it's 3 miles off the highway on a gravel road then turn on a dirt road and go another mile. Then go up our private dirt road to the property.
And you don't see the property until you do all that.
I am looking forward to staying at Thunder Canyon when YOU are ready for the rest of us. In the meantime I'm happy keeping up with the campground updates via RUclips. Keep up the great videos.
Looking forward to it 😀
My parents stay down in Elephant Butte New Mexico in an RV . well they did until this week ( January 3rd 22 ) selling the rv and they bought a house in New Mexico . 3 years of the rv life . They loved every minute of it .
So glad to see your videos. As I’ve previously commented, my wife and I have been RV’ers since the mid 80’s as a young couple. I think what you are doing is great. Full timing isn’t for us but month long trips are. I need more space for the “stuff” I can’t live without, but have been thinning things out as we travel more. Hopefully, one day we get to Thunder Canyon. Keep up the good work. I love to hear your opinions. Even if I don’t always agree, I will defend your right to say it. Happy New Year!
You give us hope for all things good. We are the blessed ones to have found you & the OddSquad❣️ I saw your tears fought back & want to give you a hug/we will in time meet you & see ThunderCanyon is all it’s glory. /Lori❣️
Lori❤️❤️❤️
When people started jumping into RV'ing a few years ago....watching all these RUclipsrs fun in the sun...adventures everyday.....looked great!!! I've been an RV owner since 1996....my parents were RV owners and I can tell you if you aren't "anal" about your preventive maintenance on it...it becomes a timebomb. I predicted these people would hate it in a few years because they didn't fully understand what they were getting into. I see my local marketplace with RV's.....people I know that bought brand new in 2018+19+20 are now selling. I knew it was coming, which may not be a bad thing......maybe this year we can actually get into a campground.
Agreed ADK. Everybody jumped in all at once. I dont blame them..Covid caused serious cabin fever. We humans are not meant to stay inside and not have koinonia/fellowship with other people. Thus, camping gone wild. lol We all knew this would happen. It will benefit many that might otherwise not be able to afford an RV.
I’m looking to buy a travel trailer around April or May 2022. Your comment about being anal about the upkeep rings true for me. I’m gonna be damn sure I understand the full range of maintenance tweaks and stay proactive about functionality issues before sudden repair issues pop up and bite me in the butt. I’m a single man, extremely independent, and plan on adopting a big dog before I head out. I think my solo lifestyle will serve me well in this venture. I’m aware it won’t all be smooth sailing, but I believe it’ll be a manageable life path. Thanks for the reality check post.
@@wadevernon7924 We were all newbies.....learning basic preventative maintenance goes a long way, checking seals and roof membrane!! Then learning how the systems work it then begins to look very simple. Good luck to you....being anal with these rigs is good!! 26 years of ownership I haven't even had a blow out or a leak.
@@ADKMan you’re speaking my language, man! I’m gonna install enough solar roof panels to make it as close to electrically independent as possible, reseal everything, stock up on spare parts, and “drain dry” the knowledge base of every RV expert I can find before heading out of Austin. Thanks for the shout back! 👍🙌
Your right guys, our time is uncertain. My wife and I had a plan until February 3rd, then the plan ended and now I have to go forward alone and figure out a new plan. Keep up the good work and keep spreading the news, you three are great and I love you all.
I’m in the same situation. Up until last September I was living full time in our 20’ travel trailer. I’m now moving forward on my own. I need to work on getting rid of my trailer. Whether I’ll travel again only God knows. Because of health issues i’m currently stationary, not where I want to be but life takes unexpected turns. Congratulations on the RV park. It’s a lot of work, a lot of hassle . We were friends with the couple who owned the park we lived in and I’d go back to nursing before I would take that job!! God bless! May every success be yours and I hope your park turns out to be everything you dreamed and planned.
I am so happy to hear how everything is moving forward.I don't have an RV(yet) but it's on the bucket list.I can't wait to see the finished product and I hope to come vist someday.💓
M MM Zico
GOD BLESS u 2
Sage has grown so much! I say that because, like you, life has gotten really busy and, well, let’s just say it’s been a while since I’ve been hard-core following not just you, but pretty much all of RVing. 😱. The thing that keeps me coming back to watch your videos is your love for God. No other channel does that - that I know of, anyway. Plus I get your newsletters in my email. ☺️ Those help me keep up with your goings on. Thank you for sticking with yours & God’s plan; I know He’ll send you blessings whenever you need it. Take care!♥️
God Bless you as well Theresa🙏❤️❤️❤️
Hey guys, we all know your just going through a “season”. Those of us who have been here since the very first video know you’re working your behinds off on getting Thunder Canyon ready for all the Odd Squad to visit. No shame in staying in a house during the cold winter. Looking forward to all the videos of all the work going on there🤗
Your beliefs are you and what has made your beautiful family!
Thank you for sharing them and your journey.
I`m not an RV`er but I love to watch you guys. I am retiring by summer and if I ever get a small rig I would love to visit.
THANK YOU for your AWESOME Channel!!! We sold our RV a few months ago and are now living in a rental home, while we await for our Del Webb new home to be built (oh my! THAT process was Quite challenging here in central Florida 😅
THANKFUL for our newest journey! BEST WISHES TO ALL ❤️🙏❤️
Fist time seeing you guys. Love your vibe- open and honest, promoting GOD and family-couldn't ask for more or better!!!!!
QUESTION: Where's the chickens??? LoL!!!!!
One thing is true.....you will do what is right for you :) You have to look out for your precious little girl! Gift from God for sure!
Love you guys! We will meet someday. Stay safe, stay warm :)
You're right... the chickens should be front & center! :-) Thank you so much for encouragement & support. We love you too. Until we meet, God bless!
@@RVOddCouple Thank you! Gotta take care of those feathered ladies....frozen eggs make for a cold omelette!!! LoL!!! LOVE what you are doing.....Thank you!!!
We feel like we speak not only for us, but for so many in the RV community when we say that we are grateful for you both. Pioneers, Mavericks, entrepreneurs, and most of all servants. Servants to the community that you have created. What a great story you both are writing... big loves to you both.
Hey guys I have been RVing since 1995 when my kids were born. My parents now RVing in Heaven were RVing back in the 60s !!! So I grew up in RVs I’m now 64 ! You guys are pretty new to the RV life ! There is so much more in the RV life than membership campgrounds. I love you guys but you are pretty new to the game
I have a lot of respect for putting your spiritual community first and foremost. It's wonderful that you have not been tempted to take a big profit and end up a flipper.
We’re in it for the Community
We bought a campground in Sept,2020! Very basic 30 spaces 30 amp right off the highway.
Found you guys while living in a 25 foot trailer for 7 months during one of the coldest winters I have known. Thank you for keeping my sane even though you weren’t! 😂
Well, all I can do is pray for you folks that your dream comes to full fruition. That the family remains joyfully intact and that all the little things that could potentially become annoying comes to nought. Have a blessed 2022 you guy's and your rv odd squad too.
We love the Prayers Shara❤️❤️❤️ Thank you 🙏
Dan and Jenn Nevada, I watched for 3 years. They sold their RV, settled in Kingman Az. Had about 17,000 followers.
The straw that broke the Camel’s Back was having followers knocking on their front door.
Glad you are not quitting.
The fact that you’re able to retain a sense of humor during such a huge, stressful project is testament to your personal fortitude. Your videos somewhat remind me of Chip and Joanna Gains with their former Fixer Upper show. But yours are more real because their not “produced” in the traditional TV sense of the term. And you’re not afraid to express your faith which is forbidden in mainstream media these days. Keep up the great work. And, as others have said, we look forward to visiting the campground when you are ready. Greetings from Royal Coachman in Nokomis.
“…they are…”. Not “their”. The nuns would smack my knuckles with a ruler for that mistake!
It sounds like y’all are well underway on a worthy journey. I am a “ likeminded” person as well. This will be OUR safe space. I can’t believe how much Sage has grown! Follow the voice that is leading you and you will be successful. Hi Sage!
I have deeply appreciated the brutal honesty of this channel. I have been watching for all 3 years.
I can relate. The boating life is going through the same aches and pains. Trying to find dock space is VERY difficult and the marinas have raised their rates like crazy. We own a 45' Carver and it has been crazy planing any trips because of we can't find marinas.
We are currently going from a boat to an RV.
Been a subscriber for a while now and I follow especially because of your "God and Family" view as I watch your adventures. I wont ever be a full time RV'r, but I am retiring Dec of 2022 and expect to buy my first RV. We have no kids and have decided we will just do month or two camping sprees instead of full time. I love what I think I am hearing about your campground ownership where its private and safer knowing you have like-minded people there. We people are flawed, but its comforting to hear your concept developing and it is encouraging. I wish you success and blessings that God has a hand in what you are trying to do. BUT, remember to take time, no matter how busy you are, to take time for each other or all will fail if you two fall apart. No great plan is worthy of destroying your relationship... or marriage. I hope to have an RV one day and have the pleasure of joining your Odd Squad family.
You guys are amazing and driven in the best possible ways! There's no way you guys can fail with the attitude and amazing heart you are putting into what your doing! Bless you guys for all you do
Thank you Rob❤️❤️❤️
hi you two (three;), ive followed you for a while; 2 yrs maybe?...tho my "time" is so off now since the pandemic🤷♀️
I don't know that I've ever left you a comment but I've loved you guys from day one.. Right now your video has me in tears. I am so moved and so proud of you and so blessed to have found ppl like you persuing a passion like my own. Thank you for ALL that you've done and are doing to truly make this world a better place. Your humility, transparency and authenticity is a beautiful thing to behold. I can't wait to get back out there camping again.. You guys keep me going and believing I can do it. I love you guys. I mean it❣❣❣
We hope to meet you one day Maria❤️
We're still building our park in Alabama because we wanted to diversify our realestate portfolio. We have rentals and apartments and building a park seemed like a natural fit. My wife is sick of nursing and wants to run our park. Thought we'd be open by now but I'm still getting septic approval with the county and were having to move a lot of dirt to level the property. I never imagined it would be this hard.
I would totally be just like your wife. Nursing now has grounded me and I really want to be free. I am tired of waiting. This year I want to do more and different stuff
Certainly lots of challenges 😀
Where at in Alabama?
@@robertbenthal9396 midlandcity, 1 mile east of US hwy 231. We're out in the county 4 miles from services but it is quiet
@@CharmaineSilva777she's been travel nursing for years and we have been all over the country. Its been cool but covid has messed it up and she refuses the jab so her job choice is limited.
Hey you can get a fire log that's built to remove dangerous soot from the chimney. Get two & burn them both. One is enough even for a dirty chimney but two will make sure. We used them for several years living in the Sierra's. We heated our 2500 sq ft 2 story cabin in Bear Valley with wood. The best wood, the hottest, was eucalyptus which burns hotter, than red or white oak, & leaves very little ash - which means all that sap goes up the chimney. We used one of those logs each year. That's it. 2 story chimney - more than 20' long kept clean as a whistle with the cleaning logs.
I had my first winter in snow by accident. I was going to spend my winter on the west coast in Cali but I got stuck having to stay in the mountains where it gets cold in winter. (cold to me is when it's below 32). I've never stayed in an RV in colder temperatures than that till this year.
I called an old friend who had a house for me to rent & space to park my RV till it got cold. He had some renovations to do that would be completed end of October so there was plenty of warm weather till then. However he didn't have it ready by the end of October. So I stayed in my rig believing he'd have it ready 2 weeks into Nov.
However he didn't get the house ready because he had to get water to it & didn't realize it was a bigger job then he expected so he kept leaving it till the last & never got it done before 3 feet of snow dumped on us. It kept getting colder & he had no eta for having the house ready.
I tried to find another place but could not find any monthly RV spots within about 300 hundred miles or hopefully less - to tow through deadly serious ice & snow conditions on such late notice. Propane is prohibitively expensive to heat a 40' Escalade RV. I burn 2 - 40lb tanks per week at 32 degrees night 45 to 50 daytime. With temperatures 40 degrees lower than that I would have to burn about 30 lbs of propane a day!!!
However the temperature kept getting lower & lower until it was -6. That's -6 F. Unfortunately my truck didn't start during the cold snap either so I hooked the batteries up to the batteries in the RV knowing that the charger for the RV batteries would also do the best job of charging my truck batteries without the cost of diesel to charge with the alternator. Fortunately yesterday I tried it & it started right up at -6 without plugging in a block heater. That was a big relief because I was trapped in a show pasture in the mountains without wheels & with too much snow to drive out of without the risk of getting stuck too far way from the rig to recharge the batteries if I got stuck - which is very possible in waist deep snow.
To save money on heat I bought a 150.00 construction heater 240 volts 20 amps = 4900 watts. That has heated the cabin throughout the coldest temperatures but the water lines under the cabin kept freezing. So I had to install 2 110 v space heaters & a temperature controller on one of them - also drilling a 4" hole into the holding tanks area with a computer fan to drive the warmer air into it from the compartment with the 2 space heaters & temperature controller. There were several issues to deal with that takes too long to cover but it was quite the adventure sorting it out. Then on New Years Eve I text the guy telling him the water line is frozen again despite the modifications.
I ask him if their pump might be frozen up & not delivering me any water. He doesn't know. I perform one test & it suggests that his pump is not frozen up but it's inconclusive because the ball valve that still operates - suggesting it's not frozen yet - is sitting on ice that has formed underneath the valve which would be sitting on a concrete floor if there was no ice under it.
I spent the night with zero water. I also poured a lot of plumbing antifreeze into both the grey & blackwater tanks because the dump valves on both of them froze a couple weeks ago (grey water froze open & black water froze closed) but I was able to thaw them on one day that was above 32 degrees. I was up at 4 am & out in the cold to crank the space heater up to the highest setting. It didn't help.
At -6 degrees I was very concerned about how cold the floor was to walk on. The cold seemed to be coming in almost as fast as I was heating up the cabin but I managed to keep a cabin temperature of 70 to 73 degrees. Sometimes without the heater shutting off for hours because it could only deliver enough to keep the heat steady but not enough to make it warmer than that. I also had to do other things like occasionally turning the refrigerator & hot water tank over to propane because I blew the 50 amp main breaker with two 1500 watt space heaters & a 4900 watt construction heater.
That should only draw 45 amps but my computer system draws about 5 amps - which means that if my fridge or hot water tank needs power it's going to blow the breaker which it did. That necessitated running the fridge & HWT on propane during the coldest parts because the temperature was not remaining on -6 all the time - it would go up to +2 during the day which made a difference & I could resume hot water & refrigeration with electricity.
Yesterday the "friend" who was supposed to rent me a house came by to discover that his maintenance guy didn't turn the heater on in the pumphouse so there was no water coming to my rig. My modifications were working but no water was coming to me. (Also there's a heat tape on the incoming water hose.)
I knew I didn't want to do this which is why I rented a house. Too bad the guy cannot provide the house but, from everything in the long term weather reports - I just passed what was the coldest part of the year in this region. Today it's up to 20 & later this week should be back to 30 or so until later in Jan when it's back above freezing pretty much till next year.
I don't want to do this again but at least I survived it & know how to prepare for as low as -6. But I would not knowingly or willingly attempt this again unless it was a necessity - which I can't imagine. I'd never have come here if I thought there would not have been a house to stay in or at least a big ol barn or warehouse I could drive my rig into for the winter.
I posted once a month ago or so -- before & you asked me to contact you but, I don't recall what the instructions were & I didn't see the video again after that. If you post a response to me again I'll keep an eye on this for some way to get in touch. This is my 7th year full time starting my 8th in April 2022. I can't imagine how tough this winter thing would have been with kids. Before I came here I even talked to a guy with a trailer park nearby but he cautioned me that the cold was too much for most people. That was what convinced me to rent a house.
All said & done you know what's now just as important to me as heat? Up in the more northern weather the days are short & light is scarce. I'm going to go LED for lighting here so I can cheaply light this rig up nice & bright when I want to - without sucking down major watts.
No it's not for growing cannabis - just to make a more cheery environment & also to have some control over warm or cool lighting so I can shut down the blue spectrum in the evening for better sleeping as blue spectrum light interferes with sleep. Regardless my spring projects will be to change the lighting, new carpets & kitchen floor, replace the propane heater with a heat pump, & maybe a 60 amp generator. Also maybe a 2nd air conditioner for Arizona & Texas summers.
Hey Sean, we like the way you write. We suggested that you start a Blog. RV Odd Squad will be launching a Member website where Members write blogs that help others.
Thanks for your encouraging words. Maybe I'll give that a try when you get it set up. I write on YT just for the practice. That's why I don't mind writing articles that are too long for most people to be interested in reading them. I don't write for visibility. I write for my own entertainment & practice at writing on a wide variety of subjects.
However after 20 years retirement I'm launching a new publishing biz in 2022. I've got hundreds of articles I've written since 2017 for publishing in this new biz. However my business interests are outside the RV world.
However I could probably bring value to those running a businesses out of their RV. I have a professional recording studio in mine. Space is a bit tight sometimes but part of the publishing is a new mastering business that requires far less space than a tracking studio. With mastering it's all done online so it can be done from anywhere that there's a data connection. Turns out the acoustics in here are awesome with so many surfaces & absorbent materials.
John: I also have a great deal of respect for NOT curbing your comments about "the king" and about God and family. You've lost a substantial portion of viewers, but your vision is bigger than your short term benefit. God bless you!
Neal, well said.
John, " with like minded people" . Agree with you both.
God bless.
Roberto
Let’s hope more speak up Neal. Thank you and God Bless you as well
Great idea! We bought an rv lot at a golf resort in So Cal. Tons of rules and exorbitant HOA fees, but totally worth it. Good for you!
I just Love you two! You are such an inspiration! And I am sooo excited about your adventure and I don't even have "skin in the game"..lol
I know you are beyond busy, but keep "the odd squad" up to date on the progression. I hope you are taking video of all the construction, I'm excited to see what all you are accomplishing! God Bless & Happy New Year!
🙏❤️
We will be there very soon, Betsy and I love you guys
Happy New Year you three! We've been following you since early on. One time a long while back, John, you asked for comments about the most indispensable tool to carry in your RV. Without hesitation my husband said, "HOT GLUE GUN!" & I relayed that to you! You also helped us a lot with understanding 'domicile' & resolving mail issues. We would have been completely lost without your help. Thanks again & we'll keep you in our prayers. So far, so good! 👍❤🇺🇸
A rick of wood or face chord is 16" to 18" in length per log, stacked 4ft high for 8ft long. 3 of these rows is a full chord of wood, sometimes called a bush chord.
Just started in June of 2021. Spent 4 months in Western PA (Son, Daughter-in-law, 1st grandchild live there). Spent 1 month New Bern KOA visiting my sister. Now in Florida to avoid Winter. Savanah GA April, PA 2 months and headed west to Wyoming for July. Traveling west and Southwest heading back to Florida for winter 2022-2023. We’ve had a door and slide destroyed by my lack of focus on a right turn leaving our PA campground in October. Still working on repair and living outside the unit when repaired.
We’ll see where we are after the first year and a half into year two. Big change for me…can’t figure out 80 degrees during Christmas and New Year. So far so good.
We love the idea for southern AZ! We like to winter there, when we aren't workamping. We would be very interested in looking into that awesome adventure. Love you guys!
I love your faith. My husband and I are planning on going semi full time RV soon. Your faith in God hit me in a good way today. Thank you! Feels good to hear others proclaim their faith.
Good luck guys, I hope you find some serenity and that things go smoothly. God bless.
I love watching you work together as a couple with God to make a good life full of love. You are inspiring.
John and Mercedes, Happy New Year! My wife and I have been subscribed to your channel since you started and we have thoroughly enjoyed your adventures. Your "vision quest" called Thunder Canyon is an inspiring testimonial. Thank you for sharing this with us. We want to begin traveling the country in an RV in retirement while maintaining our home base in Tennessee but Covid, elder care and skyrocketing RV prices have delayed our plans. I appreciate and applaud your newest adventure. God has great plans for your lives. I was a professional landscaper many years ago and would like to help you with Thunder Canyon.
We’ll be building a Prayer Garden Rick🙏😀👍
@@RVOddCouple Gethsemane?
Absolutely loved this video. My wife Terry and I just bought a Class A Motorhome. We’ve been watching your videos for a long time, and have been inspired. Today is the first time I heard you bring the Lord into your conversation. We are Christians and love Jesus! His mercies are new every morning!
I mentioned to my wife how I would love to start a campground for RV’s but knew it would take a lot of money, but your idea might be something we might be interested in! Please let us know more.
We always thought part timing is the way to go, we love it! Happy New Year to both of you! God bless.
You forgot to add country! I’ve been following y’all since the beginning and am cheering for you and the Squad! Since I don’t have an RV my ears perked when you mentioned the cottages-they sound perfect and safe for this solo veteran! Here’s to 2022 and your success - you’ve got this!!
CLICKBAIT....WHICH YOUR TITLE WAS IS SO DISRESPECTFULL AND DISHONEST.....
I found your channel a couple of weeks ago and have been binging a little on your previous videos. From the very first video, there was something that caught my attention and interest. Your focus on others, your faith, your dedication, your vision for what you are doing and depending on Divine guidance for each and every day is very unusual in these days and times. Thank you for being who you are, doing what you do and the way that you are doing it. I also have some family roots on Sand Mountain. My grandparents met and married in Scottsboro and raised a family. It has been decades since I have been back. I feel that familial connection to that area. I remember as a child visiting family in that area. Your channel and your project is very interesting to me. Thank you so much for sharing what you are doing and how you live your life.
John thank you for staying strong on God and the politics. You may have taken a hit on viewers but it will come back. I tell most people that question for a moment to just look at Chick fil a and how they are one of the busiest fast food restaurants around and closed on Sundays, They took the stance, and you see what God did for them he will do for you. Faith and perseverance pays off.
Love this Stoney❤️❤️❤️
It would be nice if RVs weren't complete junk. With terrible service from dealerships and prices of everything going up, it just doesn't make sense to full time anymore. Too stressful for something that should be the opposite
Happy New Year RV Odd Squad!!!
Love it love it love it. You two are Totally Blessed.
While I” winter “ in the southern tier of New York for my third time (Binghamton) since my stroke ( minor to me!!) I close to my family. Two winters ago I spent in Enterprize, Al. Beautiful state and wonderful people.
Our country is in chaos but will come back to us this year!
K God Bless the USA!! And stay safe. See ya’s soon.
Bob
Gods got us Bob🙏❤️ Thank you
One point you need to look at seriously, in other videos you mentioned “HUD and other legal organizations” the reason for me bringing this up is simple.A friend of mine owned a camp ground across the street from the family owned farm where they lived for over 3 generations. While the camp ground was deeded separately from the farm, a developer purchased the land 2 miles down the road and built several houses and created a “HOA”. My friend was forced to temporarily close the camp ground, and relocate from the farm because of separation from home and work, until legal issues terminated. Being a veteran of the US military was in his favor, but the lawyers for the HOA, and Hud, were stating that he was living on campground property full time, because of how close his residence was to the grounds, and that it was illegal in the state to reside in the campgrounds for more then 60 days. Three years of legal battles required him to prove separation of residence and business, costing thousands of dollars to overbearing legal issues created by these organizations. He still owns the farm, and the campgrounds and are reopened, but he had to shift ownership of the 200 acres of farmland to a preserved farmlands proprietary ownership, and rename the campgrounds! Since then he had to revamp the entry to both properties to accommodate this separation by over 90 feet, and the farm driveway needed to go to another roadway. The camp entrance and office need to move 80 feet farther down the road to ease traffic! This was all because of the new HOA, and their lawyers, who still create legal issues for him, by trespassing and harassing campers who stay for more then a week, calling police and such, being a veteran, he has gotten legal aid and insight on how to handle many of these issues including a restraining orders against the HOA, police and park rangers are freely welcomed in, but the campgrounds are now being completely fenced off from the HOA land, and this has still caused legal battles of home owners wanting to use the campground land for their own purposes, twice home owners were caught trashing the woods, and while the HOA sided with the residents, my friend proved the violations came from disgruntled home owners, and the fence that was installed, video cameras and other security devices all had permits for use by the county officials are being scoffed at vandalized or removed by HOA members! So please watch out!
You guys are the worse for using catch titles.
I noticed this. It shouldn’t be necessary. This is the first of their videos I watched, will think twice as I see the next title show up.
I can’t believe somebody would hate you. I love you guys and your videos…and I don’t even have an RV!
Thanks for the update. Trying to figure out how we can go full-time..but there has been one road block after another. Now that we are close to retirement...it look like it was going to happen this year..but now we are looking to adopt sisters from foster care. But the court case is sooo long..really..we want to experience your camp. Take these girls to experience some fun and see the beauty and good in our world. The trial for these girls is in March. Pray they come to us where they can grow up together. Not separated. The 10yr is with grandmother 300 miles away. 6 yr old is with bio dad that didn't know he was dad till may..and he is a very nasty man. Children's aid ..this is what they want for the girls...the girls want to be together. Pray please that common sense prevails..and this summer we hope to take the girls on a 2 month rv trip down the east coast..see if they and us can do it . We would love to come to thunder canyon.
🙏
Chiwawa, Mercedes! Most of us watch because you are an incredibly lovely lady!!
Having said that, I full timed from around 2009 to early’14. Space rent was $225 a month at beginning, $250 later on. My buddy still in the oil field says he’s paying $500 a month, which once he adds his Pickup payment and trl payment he’s spending close to $2,000 a month!!
I understand how much $ oilfield workers make, but with his cost, he’s going backwards.
I loved it. I had an ‘06 Keystone Montana, it had washer/dryer, and it was just perfect for me.
My wife? Not so much so I sold in ‘14.
It’s a different way to live, but it was good for me, and good to me.
Just started listening and watching you two and really enjoying it! Sorry that so much stress and frustration plagued you for awhile. I am still interested in you two, so as soon as I can get my act together here!
You guys are creating something wonderful to be enjoyed by so many. Remember that nothing worthwhile is ever easy. Life is not a plateau but an adventure of ever changing elevations. God Bless you all.
Thank you 🙏❤️🙏
Wow! You guys have a lot going on! Never a dull moment!
Blessed and tired 😀
Too much, way too much to truly enjoy life.
Awesome!
I can't believe anyone doesn't like you! Honestly means everything!
I'd love to chase 70°
So glad that you posted a video. I had a feeling something was off with you guys. I hope you get your rig back soon and in perfect condition. I wish you luck in your endeavors. Happy new year to you! 👍💥😘
You are solidifying a core subscriber base for higher purposes. Be encouraged!
9:58 😏 he says while wearing a Thousand Trails zippered shirt/jacket 😉
Fun fact: Paula Deen, the TV home cook we all watched on Food Network(and now YT), grew up in a camping park that her grandparents owned. It was a time when people first started traveling the Interstates for fun and adventure. Her Grandfather was a visionary, and saw the potential of buying land along the new Interstate Highway, and building a 'stopping off place' for folks on road trips. Riverbend. It was a huge success for the entire family, AND, when grandpa knew the newer highway was going take business away from his campground, he cashed out, and the rest is the history of where Paula Deen came from.
Thank you for taking the time to share this 😀👍
I am so looking forward to getting to meet y'all soon. God has a plan and we just have to stick to it. I hope you will have a chapel or some place to have service on Sunday's or when ever possible. I love having Bible study's in the woods.
Hoping for a Chappell and covered seating outside.
Our camper is in the shop right now (due to an accident while in storage...class A owner thought it was in park, but was in reverse, and bam!). Once we get our camper (Gypsy) back from getting fixed, I will be making camping reservations to make up for the one we had to cancel after our camper was damaged and rendered unusable. Can't wait to get back to camping. It is a nice escape for us from our day-to-day grind of work, home, sleep, work, home, sleep, etc. Hoping yours does not take too long to get fixed with the parts shortages. Parts just ordered for ours. Now, waiting on timeline for delivery of parts for the shop to know an estimated amount of time for repairs to be finished. Once Thunder Canyon is open, we would love to visit there and just get away from it all.
Looking forward to meeting you Stacie
Love you guys... honest, forthright, and a plan that will benefit other RV'ers. With God on your side, who can be against you... 🙏🤗
I found your channel via RUclips algorithm, and I love you guys ❤ I really can't believe people just show up to your campground 🤯 good people or not, um...boundaries people ‼️ Keep it up, cant wait to see your campground when it's finished
God
Family
Friends
Community
All are excellent God driven priorities.
As a follower of Christ and a follower of this channel, I observed something is starting to creep in here that could undermine your goals.
To everyone on this channel please pray over this observation.
When speaking or those writing comments, consider how Christ commanded us to speak.
Please prayfully consider the words you use, that they draw people towards God not away from being a follower of Christ.
Using terms that became catch phrases to denigrate or disrespect others, is not a loving witness to Christ living within you.
Let’s use our words to bless God constantly, to set a Christlike example to those who hear and read our words. Let’s be set apart by speech.
“So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.”
1st Peter 2:1 ESV
“ Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips”
Psalm 141:3 ESV
Amen 🙏
We have a permanent spot at a year round rv park. We bought a destination model, a Cedar Creek Cottage model and we love it. Lots of space and storage for full timers who don't have to pull their rv all the time. I LOVE that there are so many rv options for us all.