A watch tower for your survival retreat.

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 1 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 209

  • @SurvivalRussia
    @SurvivalRussia 11 років тому +3

    Very cool idea. Thanks for sharing it.
    Regards, Lars

  • @Iaintbad1
    @Iaintbad1 11 років тому +1

    Nice tower...... One thing that I did observe is that the u-bolts a crushing the frame which weakens the structure..... The strength is in the bent shape..... Try to keep the shape and strength by slipping a piece of solid round bar stock such as rebar inside the bent area so as not to crush the frame when the u-bolt is tightened..... Looking good......

  • @Kid.B-Kid.B
    @Kid.B-Kid.B 5 років тому +2

    This is awesome. By far the most creative, easy and affordable one yet! Great Work!

  • @TheRobinDC
    @TheRobinDC 10 років тому +9

    Just bought 4 cages from a local scrapyard and will send you pics when I get done.

  • @tacorack
    @tacorack 11 років тому

    Sp1, they would have to be solid to support that much fluid weight when full. Great idea. I see vines or an ivy would eventually block out the support structure. Only addition I could add is a couple of thin wire guide line to stabilize any top sway, if any. Looks very cozy, I spent many cold wet winter days in worse digs... hunting. Best tree stand and watch tower combo I have seen... Peace brother

  • @jefflowe8803
    @jefflowe8803 8 років тому +6

    good idea, but that tall I would weld it and bake the base wider, maybe add wheels on one side and make it portable

  • @d.l.hemmingway3834
    @d.l.hemmingway3834 11 років тому +2

    A great way to up grade the watch tower would be to add a pair of military surplus field telephones. Have one in the tower and the other in the base camp/ cabin/ bunker. You run the line down the mesh of the tower and bury it using PVC pipe and a trench about a foot or more deep and running it in an indirect manner between the tower and the bastion. This would allow two way communications between the two locations.

  • @southernprepper1
    @southernprepper1  11 років тому +1

    Very solid and strong.

  • @RealWorldReport
    @RealWorldReport 9 років тому +1

    Have considered building the grand-kids an elevated fort with attached swing set to use as a watch tower. Thinking I can place it about any where in the yard and it would not look out of place or odd as a wire cage would. A little concealed fortification and roof I believe would work just fine. Any constructive input is appreciated.

  • @socksandtea
    @socksandtea 11 років тому

    Very clever use of commonly-found everyday objects. I like it!

  • @Kevinegan1
    @Kevinegan1 11 років тому

    I would build a rack inside the bottom frame to hold about (6) 12 volt deep cycle batteries. Install an oversize roof and cover it with solar panels. Install an inverter in the top and wire it all up. Then throw in, over, under or off the sides any modern conveniences you might need. Add some two radio communication equipment, a little lighting where needed and you have yourself one fine deer stand, guard tower, perimeter security station, etc, etc. Let the vines camouflage it.

  • @SouthernCoastalCookingTM
    @SouthernCoastalCookingTM 11 років тому

    looks like a great idea for a deer stand, now if you could only get some vines growing up the side

  • @southernprepper1
    @southernprepper1  11 років тому

    They are totes I think they hold 275 gallons and they are used in alot of different business for liquids. They cost used from $50 to $75 in my area.

  • @BonnieBlue2A
    @BonnieBlue2A 11 років тому

    Very creative use of those containers. Looks like that wild grapevine will conceal it in due time.

  • @shawnw7972
    @shawnw7972 11 років тому

    It's well built for dear hunting. i don't know about SHTF, seems like a big target to me.I just wanted to say that I have watched most of your videos recently and your doing an amazing job educating and helping not only myself but I'm sure many others. Keep up the good work.

  • @Kevinegan1
    @Kevinegan1 11 років тому +1

    How about not removing the tank from the bottom section and use it to collect rainwater from the roof. Paint or insulate the outside (for colder climates) and add a little bleach every now to keep algae growth down and you have a great source of water for cleaning or whatever. With some filtering or boiling it could be used for drinking. The weight of the bottom tank filled with water would also make for really sturdy base.

  • @NothingTooRadical
    @NothingTooRadical 11 років тому

    Those totes when filled with rocks make excellent bullet resistance barriers too, you could probably make a very nice check point hut at the barrier to the open road.

  • @southernprepper1
    @southernprepper1  11 років тому +1

    They are very strong and no problems at all with them.

  • @evilmindedsquirrel
    @evilmindedsquirrel 11 років тому

    That's a great great stand! looks solid and easy to build. Personally I would have attached it to a tree at one corner. Not that it would need it, but if you can, why not.
    As a bigger watch-tower, that does not raise TOO much suspicion where you can see really far: a water tower. It has a very normal purpose in 'peace time' as well as shtf. and is a dual purpose outlook.

  • @SkinnyMedic
    @SkinnyMedic 11 років тому +2

    Makes me want go to deer hunting!

  • @Kevinegan1
    @Kevinegan1 11 років тому

    One of the biggest factors for surviving in an altered environment is moral. Without moral people tend to just quit or put forth the barest minimum to survive which sometimes isn't enough. It is amazing how just a little comfort can go toward boosting moral & thus survivability. Everything I see I am always, in my mind, trying figure out how to adapt it to do other things, improvise it to do more or multiple things. An old bucket & black garden hose suddenly turns into a hot shower. You get it.

  • @SciotoBuckeye7
    @SciotoBuckeye7 11 років тому

    Very cool. Sure beats climbing into a tree. Looks sturdier than my old deer stand that I use.

  • @Jimmy_in_Mexico
    @Jimmy_in_Mexico 11 років тому

    I think that would make some cool tomato cages or for like beans or grapes. Put a solar panel and a motion sensor or camera up there. That would help you get the drop on somebody or something. It would be light and portable. I would incorporate a swing rope for egress if I was going to be up there watching. You never know how fast you need to get out. Good idea for that prepper show.

  • @JimsEquipmentShed
    @JimsEquipmentShed 11 років тому

    Comfort, that is a very important point, I think the very word "Prepping" tends to scare off a lot of people because they think it all has to be about guns and living in an unlit cave and wearing paint and camo. And for the vast majority its nothing like that. I want my life (with minor adjustments) to be just as fun after, as it was before.

  • @OffGridInvestor
    @OffGridInvestor 11 років тому

    Fortunately for me, I have a overhead water stand with a 600L tank but it could hold a full IBC or 1000L tank. it has a floor and railings and a proper ladder. so long as you don't kick any pipes, it would make a great watchtower / shooting rig. when you're up there you have a fantastic range of sight and could hit things that wouldn't even realize you're up there. All I need is decent guns in Oz and I'd be using it already.

  • @madstoppie
    @madstoppie 11 років тому

    SP1, you can even camo it by sticking branches into the holes, from ground to top!! Sweet idea!!!

  • @Kevinegan1
    @Kevinegan1 11 років тому

    A small inverter mounted on the riding mower enables me to operate a power tool so don't have drag around a bunch of extension cords. I don't think people have realized just how easy and increasingly inexpensive it is to install a few modern conveniences in places you'd never expect. For example. Take a plastic tote container, a small 12 v fountain pump, 6"fan, a piece or two of 1/2" pvc & a section of cooler pad from Lowe's, a little water & you have an air conditioner.

  • @americanpantry
    @americanpantry 11 років тому

    I agree guerilla garden some scarlet runner beans on this and have a dual purpose cover and food source. What is the strength on these? seems like there just junky aluminum, please correct me if i am wrong.

  • @pinhighiron
    @pinhighiron 11 років тому

    Great idea, thanks SP1. This gave me another idea I may try out. Seems to me you could attach two (or three) of these frames together and lay them on their sides and put a sturdy swing door on one end and make a pretty cheap hog trap out of them.

  • @TREEHUGGAH1
    @TREEHUGGAH1 11 років тому

    where can we find these ''holders'' again?you wouldn't have a link to a picture of what they look like would you?many thx for your help and your efforts.
    much respect

  • @cavalrytm
    @cavalrytm 11 років тому

    You mean "morale", lol. But yeah, I get what you're saying. They talk about how in WW2 a chocolate bar would put a smile on a soldier's face, just like how catching a fish would improve your mood if you were stuck somewhere trying to survive. Morale is a huge factor. Personally, for my group, we have goals post-collapse... we want to thrive, not just survive. Be a part of something bigger than ourselves. It'll give us confidence and an edge on everyone else who are just trying to scrape by.

  • @Kevinegan1
    @Kevinegan1 11 років тому

    Have to make sure to put the tower somewhere where it gets sun. Or the panels could be mounted elsewhere. I powered my home from panels I built myself. So you could say I have solar on the brain. I have always had a fascination with bringing modern conveniences to places where you'd never expect to find them. Of course in an ecology friendly way. When camping my buddies would always ask about all the gadgets I had. I said just because I'm camping doesn't mean I have to be uncomfortable.

  • @mcintosh108
    @mcintosh108 11 років тому

    This is why I like watching your channel - very clever ideas!

  • @damonthomas8955
    @damonthomas8955 3 роки тому +1

    Nifty, not sure if I would want to be up there if lead started flying, but a cool idea nonetheless.

  • @richarddean1333
    @richarddean1333 3 роки тому +1

    nice to make a tad more secure add plywood to inside and to the bottom for solid base

  • @LandersWorkshop
    @LandersWorkshop 11 років тому

    I like the tree next to it, that can be an emergency escape route if the way down normally is too dangerous :)

  • @jerrya3900m
    @jerrya3900m 11 років тому

    You need to add to the anchoring. Several more posts driven and concreted into the ground deep!.
    Also, more reinforcing on the cages themselves. It's a GOOD idea, but a serious storm WILL bring it down as it now stands. After it is stronger, much stronger, then add camo to help hide it from eyes.

  • @JimsEquipmentShed
    @JimsEquipmentShed 11 років тому

    Ha, so true. My wife used to complain about the effort I put into this stuff (Until we had a huge storm here on the east coast, and the power out for a week. Then we were the only ones with electricity and running water.) She went to work (As that never stops) freshly showered, while her co workers had to go to the company fitness center to use the showers. I think thats when it started making it all worth the effort.

  • @hophopkins9873
    @hophopkins9873 11 років тому

    It would be very solid the way it is....wind would go right through it....nothing really to blow over except the roof but if it's anchored right that wouldn't be an issue. I'm gonna look at putting several of these on my place.....use em for deer blinds and watch towers.

  • @OntarioNortherner
    @OntarioNortherner 11 років тому

    Pretty neat idea. Although I'd probably just build a tree fort instead. Definitely a good option if you don't have trees around tho!

  • @SgtBooker44
    @SgtBooker44 11 років тому

    I like how there are some vines starting to grow up the framework. Good camo to make it more difficult to spot which would help with security.

  • @PrepperintheWastes
    @PrepperintheWastes 11 років тому

    Those things I have always thought would make good building material for a fortified location. Fill them with sand or water and they would stop bullets and such real well. Also they could be used to make a castle type area, with these things be used to make a wall maybe 2 deep for added protection. Modern day poor mans castle. You could even have a central watch tower which is used to anchor say a awning to the outer wall. As long as there are some gaps in the wall and the watch tower has a view

  • @HeavilyArmed
    @HeavilyArmed 11 років тому

    Great idea for a forward observation post or guard tower or well, let your imagination run. Can you please provide some specs as to the weight of each section and the hight? I'm working on one that isn't as neat but.....40' tall tree with a 3'X4' pallet platform supported by rebar 25' up.I use screw-in hunting blind steps and a swim ladder bolted to the tree to access the platform.
    Great video again! :)

  • @MrWildextreme
    @MrWildextreme 11 років тому

    great idea but wont the plastic weaken over time and snap?

  • @PondRiverFarm
    @PondRiverFarm 11 років тому

    fantastic and creative idea, thank you for sharing

  • @Kevinegan1
    @Kevinegan1 11 років тому

    It's amazing what can be accomplished quickly with a few self drilling screws and scraps of metal plate.

  • @todmills
    @todmills 11 років тому

    I see them advertised on Craigslist very regularly, in the farm & garden for sale section.

  • @peterd1234567890
    @peterd1234567890 11 років тому

    personally i would of left the containers in on the bottom 2 and filled with dirt maybe cut some holes in the side put sum plants in and if you really wanted to be fancy to top one could be a buffer to hold water to slowly water them great idea

  • @americanpantry
    @americanpantry 11 років тому

    Good to know thank you sir. I always assumed it was just cheap aluminum, but it has to has a coating of some kind. spray paint would do this well.

  • @anigiainvhi1799
    @anigiainvhi1799 11 років тому

    Great idea using the tote frames for a tower!!!

  • @Iaintbad1
    @Iaintbad1 11 років тому

    Nice tower..... I would add a pole to slide down like in a fire station..... Just in case a quick exit is needed......

  • @ftcentrepreneur
    @ftcentrepreneur 11 років тому

    looks great! with some vegetation underneath, it would blend real nice! Thanks for the idea!

  • @Echo4PapaBravo
    @Echo4PapaBravo 11 років тому

    This is great for an lp/op, since they are expected in hunting areas, and doubles as a protein procurement shelter.
    The roof of a 30' grain silo makes for a great overwatch position too. Bolt 6-8 10' galvanized poles around the rim and you can tarp it over, and they already come with a built in ladder. Adding a gable, with windows on all 3 sides, to exiting barn lofts, or even a roof steeple on a barn, is also a good idea for compound security.
    Semper Fi

  • @preparedchipmunk
    @preparedchipmunk 11 років тому

    Wow that is the coolest thing I have seen in a long time. You could grow melons, snow peas, beans and cucumbers on it so you can snack while you survey! In case of a flood it is an instant shark cage, just joking about the sharks.

  • @lynnm2715
    @lynnm2715 11 років тому

    very inventive and clever and cool!!!

  • @loubzac3
    @loubzac3 11 років тому

    great idea. do you think they would hold a water tote on top like for a water tower?

  • @thefranks8726
    @thefranks8726 11 років тому

    If you had several of these maybe you could create some type of zip line to connect them. Seems like an easy way to transport stuff, even if it is only a way thing.

  • @Preppher
    @Preppher 11 років тому

    With some modifications, could it serve as a temporary holding place for miscreants?

  • @TruthMercyBaptist
    @TruthMercyBaptist 11 років тому

    I'm not sure how you connected them to each other. It would seem that one only needs to slip about an inch and the whole thing would tumble down - so fastening these together securely would be a big deal. How did you do that?

  • @CPLBSS88
    @CPLBSS88 11 років тому

    yes and no, Its vulnerability could act in your favor by enticing an attack and therefor revealing their location. Also, it would not be hard to at a pole that you could slide down, into a pit/ tunnel system. IMO, being covert is more important to me so I rely on real dear stands, that are cammo'd in trees and in tree lines on the ground. I would set up more permanent ones should the need arise, but for now everything must remain ultra portable.

  • @VikingPreparedness
    @VikingPreparedness 11 років тому +1

    Cool - great idea
    Thanks

  • @fletcher3913
    @fletcher3913 11 років тому

    Very clever and resourceful.

  • @MrSaber152
    @MrSaber152 11 років тому

    wow with the vines climning it it would be a pain to see even in full light. good idea i have many of these laying around

  • @Jeffrich308
    @Jeffrich308 11 років тому

    My son and I made a tripod for one of these cages and it's been a great stand for deer hunting. Inexpensive and light.

  • @prikasky
    @prikasky 11 років тому

    Very cool but idk If i would trust it. Maybe you could do a more indepth vid showing you inside the top and bouncing around. also what about some pulleys in a tree and one of those water crates. that might be pretty cool too. especially if you built a secret tree wrol fort and it was the elevator.

  • @MasterK9Trainer
    @MasterK9Trainer 6 років тому

    I just watched a video on things to do or make with these containers and while a watch tower or observation post came to mind, I recalled your video on creating a cache and when I saw it on television. I thought these plastic tanks would be great for that. I'm curious what you think, but I thought they'd make good "fox holes" with several close together functioning as a subterranean shelter or hideout to hide supplies and to operate radios and maintain weapons and so on.

  • @Dagobert1234
    @Dagobert1234 11 років тому

    splendid idea, thanks for the video

  • @rustylozanolpc4227
    @rustylozanolpc4227 3 роки тому

    Wow!!! That’s the coolest idea

  • @deforrest383
    @deforrest383 11 років тому

    i cant find any that folks want to get rid of ... how do you get them???

  • @ctoddwork2000
    @ctoddwork2000 11 років тому

    VERY CREATE THOUGH MY FRIEND..AND A BUILT IN LADDER TOO

  • @masterofce
    @masterofce 11 років тому

    Great Idea.!!

  • @PreppingOutfitters
    @PreppingOutfitters 11 років тому

    Once again your genius shines through! EXCELLENT VID!

  • @kill3rgreen
    @kill3rgreen 11 років тому

    Also would make a great holding cage haha, very nice I would like to make a few of these

  • @tejolson92
    @tejolson92 11 років тому

    Put some cardboard and a bunch of paper down on the bottom (absorb water). Put some compost on top and finally some mulch. Cut some thru to the cardboard, then load it up with vines. But start the vines before you do any of that.

  • @RCvolunteer1978
    @RCvolunteer1978 11 років тому

    Oh i would LOVE to have one of those containers but I do not but when I was watching the video My first thought was Viet-nam Watch tower now to have four to five spider holes going to a large underground bunker for 100 people with a hospital and kitchen

  • @chiwar7178
    @chiwar7178 11 років тому

    Not with all the trees around; though, if no trees or structures are around, a good 3' lightning rod could be bolted to one of the roof aerials. Attach a 3/16" braided copper wire running to a 9' deep grounding rod would solve all the lightning woes...

  • @rubadux
    @rubadux 10 років тому +3

    That contraption may be useful to shoot game or to prevent unarmed prisoners from escaping a camp, but as a watchtower to guard against armed aggressors? Gotta be kidding.
    PS: I'd remove the padding from the chair, I wouldn't like to sit on a wet or even damp sponge ...

    • @elLocoChongo
      @elLocoChongo 7 років тому

      Exactly what I am thinking. I would hate to be a sentry in that tower with bullets flying both ways. How much would it cost to panel the sides & floor with Kevlar.? LOL

  • @MrDaddikins
    @MrDaddikins 11 років тому

    I've never seen those crate things, what are they and where can you get them? If you can pass that along it would be cool. And thanks, you do good work.

  • @draugrhessler1408
    @draugrhessler1408 11 років тому

    You can find them on Craigslist but the price for them has really gone up. Also you could call some of the contractor tool rental places and ask them if they have any old beat up scaffolding frames and braces that they would sell cheap. Scaffolding is stackable and you can get leveling jacks to go under each leg. Check on walkboards as well. Most everyone has gone to the aluminum boards so you might be able to pick up some of the older plywood walkboards. Take out the old plywood & replace it.

  • @jefffkenney654
    @jefffkenney654 11 років тому

    Very Nice great video,!!

  • @Kevinegan1
    @Kevinegan1 11 років тому

    Or to get really primitive. Take a piece of nylon string that has a tested strength of 15lbs. Well that ain't nothing. But say you go to each corner of where the two metal frames meet and tightly tied a string across the two. But all that will do is get you hurt. But go around to each corner and do that 20 times. What do you have then? At each corner it will withstand up to 300 lbs of force to break it loose. That's 1200 lbs total force required to break the two apart. From just string.

  • @frhans1166
    @frhans1166 11 років тому

    the only problem with using trees is when the wind blows it will stress it in different directions and the zip ties would weaken.

  • @anthony9thompson
    @anthony9thompson 11 років тому

    Great idea.

  • @theHDP
    @theHDP 11 років тому

    Those would work excellent in the desert.

  • @bigjohn20081983
    @bigjohn20081983 11 років тому

    I can see where these could be very effect as deer blinds or watertowers in a wrol role I personaly perfer the idea of the climbing deer stands (in wooded area these would be better in feild etc) for over watch / what ever you want to call it because the postion can be moved from day to day or every few days making it hard for someone to pin point that persons overwatch postion. But that is just a personal thing but also in the deer stand you are hung out to dry once your postion is known.

  • @MrsSoapPeddlersHomestead
    @MrsSoapPeddlersHomestead 11 років тому

    Getting all kinds of ideas from this! Thanks!

  • @Jimmy_in_Mexico
    @Jimmy_in_Mexico 11 років тому

    They are called IBC totes. Intermediate bulk container. Craigslist them.

  • @brandonsimmons1108
    @brandonsimmons1108 10 років тому

    We have built multiple tree houses that we use as watch towers they were quick and easy to built and it only took us a day most of they work was moving the wood and finding good trees

  • @1oldarmyguy
    @1oldarmyguy 11 років тому

    Great idea!

  • @HomeDistiller
    @HomeDistiller 11 років тому

    id add some cross bracing it could easily twist, they are very strong when they have the tank inside and the top and bottom bracing, but you have removed these,

  • @gqixkaes
    @gqixkaes 11 років тому

    David scaffle for work crews goes on sale when they get worn and old and they are strong and you can get a ton for a good price for me they come free and my dad made a huge cowboy Indians fort for the grandkids with them and its held 8 grown men no problem

  • @Armando7654
    @Armando7654 11 років тому

    well looks cute but the problem with this approach is that you are creating a profile of what the eye in the sky will take it to be is a high-key well organized operation. If spotted you will quickly be classified as a formidable opponent. If I was into doing any of that, I wouldn't built any official tower but simply hid a chair on a tree: zero residual presence.

  • @goforgreenliving
    @goforgreenliving 11 років тому

    That looks like a good idea how do the act in high winds?

  • @missmamtube
    @missmamtube 11 років тому

    Wow really neat ! Blessings !

  • @jaype5896
    @jaype5896 11 років тому

    I don't think the panels would work efficiently enough because of all the trees around and over the stand blocking a lot of sun... Maybe just for a few things yeah it could work, but hey you never know, I'm just guessing!

  • @reklawj9
    @reklawj9 11 років тому

    great idea,most... deer...don't look up.

  • @JMAAD
    @JMAAD 11 років тому

    great idea!!!

  • @wyattoneable
    @wyattoneable 11 років тому

    Now that's a cool idea!

  • @ludlowfalls8856
    @ludlowfalls8856 4 роки тому

    Very cool!

  • @jackpinesavage1628
    @jackpinesavage1628 5 років тому

    New ones cost $299.00 each at Home Depot. They're called intermediate bulk containers.